Union Home Minister Amit Shah Interacts with 2023 IPS Probationers, Emphasizes Role in Nation’s Security

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, today held an insightful interaction with the 2023 batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers in New Delhi. The session, attended by senior officials including the Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), offered a platform for trainee officers to share their training experiences and discuss their future roles as custodians of law and order.

Addressing the probationers, Shah highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, envisioning a nation free from terror, drugs, and internal threats. He stressed the importance of IPS officers in shaping this future, calling on the young officers to reflect on their unique responsibility in ushering in a new era of policing.

“The batch emerging as IPS officers today bears a greater responsibility than the previous 75 batches,” said Shah. He underscored that these officers will be crucial in determining whether India can successfully transition to next-generation policing, integrating advanced technologies and modern strategies to enhance internal security and uphold the rule of law.

The Home Minister also reflected on the government’s strides in improving border security, stating that “no one has the courage to insult our borders or our army.” He noted significant reductions in violence in conflict-prone regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, the North East, and Left Wing Extremist areas, with a 70% decrease in violence in recent years. “Indian agencies now have complete dominance in these regions,” he affirmed, crediting this success to democratic engagement and proactive governance.

Shah emphasized the pivotal role of technology in the country’s evolving policing landscape, particularly through initiatives like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS). He revealed that 99% of police stations across India are now online, enabling real-time data generation. The Minister also highlighted the integration of scientific evidence in the judicial process, which he believes will streamline the conviction process and reduce dependency on witness testimonies.

“In five years, the new laws will be fully implemented in every police station across the country,” he said, citing reforms that aim to ensure justice is delivered within three years of an FIR being filed. The use of technologies like e-summons and National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), along with the establishment of Forensic Science Labs (FSL), will make it harder for corruption to infiltrate the system, as scientific evidence will directly reach the courts.

Amit Shah stressed that the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights is integral to the nation’s security. “The security of the nation is tied to the security of its citizens,” he remarked, calling on police officers to safeguard not only the lives and property of citizens but also their constitutional rights. He pointed out that new laws require the declaration of people in police custody, filing of chargesheets within 90 days, and mandatory videography of search and seizure operations to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The time has come for the police force to prioritize protecting the rights of the poor, children, and women,” the Minister said, emphasizing the responsibility of IPS officers to prevent atrocities and uphold justice for vulnerable groups.

In his concluding remarks, Shah urged the young officers to embrace every challenge with determination. “There is no work that cannot be improved, and there is no task that is insignificant,” he said, advising the officers to strive for excellence in every assignment, no matter how small. He encouraged them to leave a lasting legacy in the districts where they serve, gaining the respect and admiration of the local communities through their dedication to justice and public service.

The Home Minister also emphasized a “ruthless approach” toward anti-national activities, reminding the probationers that national security should always be a priority in their duties.