Regretting the increase in number of complaints of public harassment at police stations, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said "stern measures" will be taken against erring officials.
The chief minister batted for an image makeover of the state police while paying tributes to the policemen, who laid down their lives while discharging duties, on the 'Police Smriti Diwas' here.
"Complaints of harassment of people at police station level were being received and if not checked then stern measures would have to be taken," he said.
In the changing scenario, nature of the crime was also changing, which was posing new challenges before police, but they also have to shoulder the responsibility of safety and security of common people, he said.
Akhilesh said, "in the time of crisis a person expects help from the police, therefore they should realise their importance and provide immediate relief to the people keeping in mind dignity and responsibility of their post."
"The role of police should be very strict with anti-social elements and criminals," he said, adding besides human rights, police should give special emphasis on the security of women and children.
If all these things were kept into consideration credibility of police would increase and help in improving the image of the government, Akhilesh said.
Strengthening police system was one of the main priority of his government and it was being done in a planned manner, the chief minister said.
Priority of the government was to strengthen the law and order situation, which completely collapsed in the previous regime, and to ensure communal harmony and peace, he said.
Talking about the forthcoming Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, the chief minister said it was a big challenge before the police to ensure that no inconvenience was faced by the pilgrims.
The chief minister also made a number of announcements for the police personnel and officials on the occasion.
Akhilesh said that promotion on all vacant posts of Provincial Police Services would be completed by November 15 and cadre review would be done by January 15 next year.
He said a proposal to increase quota of PPS in IPS from 33.5 per cent to 50 per cent would be send to the Centre within a week.
Keeping in mind the requirement of the force, process has been started for direct recruitment of 4,000 sub-inspectors and 312 PAC platoon commanders, he said.
The chief minister said to provide more chances of promotion from the post of SI to inspector, 50 per cent selection would be done on the basis of seniority and remaining on the basis of selection examination.
He also felicitated widows of martyrs and assured that the government was committed to provide all possible assistance to their families.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks