Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police, held in Bhubaneswar on November 30 and December 1, 2024.
During the valedictory session, the Prime Minister distributed the President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. In his concluding remarks, PM Modi emphasized the productive discussions that had taken place during the conference, covering a wide range of national and international security challenges. He expressed satisfaction with the counter-strategies that had emerged from the deliberations.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister raised concerns about the threats posed by digital frauds, cybercrimes, and the evolving risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly the potential dangers of deepfake technology, which could disrupt social and familial bonds. He called upon the police leadership to view these threats as opportunities, leveraging India’s “double AI power” — Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’ — to turn these challenges into advantages.
PM Modi expanded on the concept of SMART policing, urging the police to adopt a strategic, meticulous, adaptable, reliable, and transparent approach. He appreciated the advancements made in urban policing and recommended that the successful initiatives be replicated across 100 cities nationwide. He also emphasized the need to use technology to alleviate the workload of constables, suggesting that police stations be made the central hub for resource allocation.
Highlighting the success of hackathons in addressing key issues, the Prime Minister proposed the idea of organizing a National Police Hackathon to solve pressing security challenges. He also underscored the importance of enhancing port security and developing a comprehensive action plan for future security needs.
Recalling the immense contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the Ministry of Home Affairs, PM Modi urged the entire security apparatus, from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Police Stations, to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary next year. He called for a resolution to improve police image, professionalism, and capabilities at all levels.
Further, the Prime Minister encouraged the police force to modernize and align its operations with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), ensuring that it remains responsive to emerging challenges.
The conference saw extensive discussions on both existing and emerging national security threats, including counterterrorism, left-wing extremism (LWE), cybercrimes, economic security, immigration, coastal security, and narcotics trafficking. The security situation along India’s borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar was also examined, along with strategies for addressing urban policing challenges and countering harmful narratives.
The conference reviewed the implementation of newly enacted criminal laws, as well as best practices in policing, and the overall security situation in neighboring regions. PM Modi shared valuable insights and laid out a roadmap for future security initiatives.
The conference was attended by Union Home Minister, the Principal Secretary to the PM, the National Security Advisor, Ministers of State for Home, and the Union Home Secretary. DGsP/IGsP from all States/UTs and heads of various CAPF/CPOs participated in person, while over 750 officers from various ranks joined virtually.
