Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today highlighted that the rule of law, along with its effective enforcement, is fundamental to economic growth and essential for realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He made these observations while addressing officers of the 77 RR Batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS) at the inauguration of a two-day Appreciation Course for the batch, organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE).

Shri Birla observed that laws and policies framed by the legislature must be implemented effectively on the ground by young civil servants. He stressed that the spirit of the Constitution should guide their actions and conduct in the discharge of their duties. He further stated that their conduct should reflect the spirit of public service exemplified by Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasized that the Constitution of India continues to guide the nation, noting that after extensive debate and discussion, the Constituent Assembly created a constitution that remains a source of pride and guidance, admired across the world.

Giving the mantra of ‘Sewa’ and ‘Samarpan’ to the young IPS officers, Shri Birla urged them to perform their duties with a genuine sense of service and dedication, rather than treating their work as a mere obligation. Officers who act with honesty, dedication, and patriotism gain the trust and respect of the people, and serving the public provides a unique sense of accomplishment and personal fulfilment, he observed.

Highlighting the constitutional values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, Shri Birla said that police officers, despite frequently facing challenging circumstances, must work to serve the most vulnerable sections of society and ensure justice for those who need it the most. He observed that young IPS officers carry enormous responsibilities and public expectations, which they must strive to fulfil to the best of their abilities.

Drawing from his own long journey in public life, Shri Birla underlined the need for public representatives, police, and administrative officials to work in close coordination for the betterment of society. Police officers must maintain close contact with the communities they serve to ensure effective policing and uphold the rule of law.

Shri Birla also commended the growing number of women officers in the IPS, highlighting their sensitivity and empathy, which strengthen the police force and improve service to the public. He stressed that IPS officers must be technically proficient and well-informed to address modern challenges such as cybercrime and disaster management, alongside traditional policing duties.

He encouraged the trainee officers to thoroughly study the three new criminal codes enacted by Parliament to understand both the letter and spirit of the law. He also emphasized that IPS officers should adopt a global perspective when addressing transnational issues such as organized crime, terrorism, and cybercrime, while remaining guided by the principles of protecting the innocent and apprehending the guilty.

Lok Sabha Secretary-General Shri Utpal Kumar Singh delivered the Welcome Address. Shri Gaurav Goyal, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat proposed the Vote of Thanks.

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