Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah presided over the 73^rd Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police. Also present on the occasion were the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Smt. Kiran Bedi. On the occasion, the Home Minister also presented medals to Delhi Police Officers for their meritorious service.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shah asserted that Delhi Police’s contribution through the years has ensured its place as one of the finest police forces of not just India, but the world. He added that the legacy of Sardar Patel, who founded Delhi Police, has been held steadfast by Delhi Police on several occasions. He noted that in the last 73 years, Delhi Police’s skill, steadfastness and superior policing has ensured the successful organization of several events of national and international importance in the capital city, which is a testament to the efficacy and efficiency of Delhi Police. He noted the vast scope of responsibility of Delhi Police, which includes Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister’s residence and the borders of three adjacent states, among other duties.

Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has said that police exists to ensure a secure society, hence it is not correct to only criticize or target the police for perceived lapses. We must seek to understand the contribution of police in ensuring peace and security in the country without any bias.

Shri Shah added that while constructive criticism of police is always welcome, we must never forget that after independence, more than 35000 police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Be it our borders or our cities, it is the police that provides us protection. Every citizen of the nation should nurture a deep sense of respect for police personnel, who serve and protect us continuously, at all times. He urged all citizens to visit the National Police Memorial and pay their respects to the police personnel martyred over the years. Shri Shah remembered the 30 Delhi Police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty since 1991. He also paid homage to the fivemembers of Delhi Police who were martyredduring the Parliament attack and Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma who lost his life battling terrorists.

Noting the cutting-edge role of Delhi Police in combating cybercrime, Shri Shah said that under the aegis of Delhi Police, a National Cyber Forensic Lab, a Cyber Crime Unit and an Indian Cyber Coordination Centre have been established. He addedthat Delhi Police’s expertise and experience in the matter establishes it as a nodal agency for all the states in the subject of cybercrime. Shri Shah added that under the Delhi Safe City Project, the Union Government has sanctioned 857 crore rupees for the safety and security of the capital city. He also said that 10000 CCTV cameras have been set up in the area covered by 165 police stations. He noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned 9300 CCTV cameras to ensure safety of women in the capital city. He said that the sanction of a large number of vehicles, motor cycles and CCTV cameras would enhance the capabilities of Delhi Police.

Speaking on the issue of Police welfare, with a special focus on police residences, Shri Shah said that the Union Government has sanctioned 137 crore rupees for police housing in Narela and 88 Crore rupees havebeen sanctioned bythe Ministry of Home Affairs over and above this amount. He added that Delhi Police itself is constructing more than 700 residences for its personnel and expressed confidence that the issue of police residence would be successfully solved in near future.

Shri Shah concluded by asserting that Delhi Police is a beacon of inspiration to every other police force in the country, because it protects the very capital of our nation.

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