Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 59^th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police at Bhubaneswar on November 30 and December 1, 2024.

In the valedictory session, PM distributed President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. In his concluding address, PM noted that wide ranging discussions had been held during the conference, on national and international dimensions of security challenges and expressed satisfaction on the counter strategies which had emerged from the discussions.

During his address, PM expressed concern on the potential threats generated on account of digital frauds, cyber-crimes and AI technology, particularly the potential of deep fake to disrupt social and familial relations. As a counter measure, he called upon the police leadership to convert the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing India’s double AI power of Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’.

He expanded the mantra of SMART policing and called upon the police to become strategic, meticulous, adaptable, reliable and transparent. Appreciating the initiatives taken in urban policing, he suggested that each of the initiatives be collated and implemented entirely in 100 cities of the country. He called for the use of technology to reduce the workload of the constabulary and suggested that the Police Station be made the focal point for resource allocation.

Discussing the success of hackathons in solving some key problems, Prime Minister suggested deliberating on holding a National Police Hackathon as well. Prime Minister also highlighted the need for expanding the focus on port security and preparing a future plan of action for it.

Recalling the unparalleled contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to Ministry of Home Affairs, PM exhorted the entire security establishment from MHA to the Police Station level, to pay homage on his 150^th birth anniversary next year, by resolving to set and achieve a goal on any aspect which would improve Police image, professionalism and capabilities. He urged the Police to modernize and realign itself with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

During the Conference, in depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter terrorism, left wing extremism, cyber-crime, economic security, immigration, coastal security and narco-trafficking. Deliberations were also held on emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing and strategies for countering malicious narratives. Further, a review was undertaken of implementation of newly enacted major criminal laws, initiatives and best practices in policing as also the security situation in the neighborhood. PM offered valuable insights during the proceedings and laid a roadmap for the future.

The Conference was also attended by Union Home Minister, Principal Secretary to PM, National Security Advisor, Ministers of State for Home and Union Home Secretary. The conference, which was held in a hybrid format, was also attended by DGsP/IGsP of all States/UTs and heads of the CAPF/CPOs physically and by over 750 officers of various ranks virtually from all States/UTs.

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MJPS/VJ