Expressing concern over the recent incidents of communal violence, President Pranab Mukherjee has called for strengthening the ability of district and local administration to notice such tensions in their initial stages and take measures to contain them quickly.
Reviewing the passing out parade of the 65 batch of IPS probationers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here on Tuesday, he said: “These are challenging times for our police forces. There has been a worrying bout of communal violence in some parts of our country, accompanied by deterioration in inter-community relations.”
Observing that his vision of the police for future India was not that of only a law enforcing body, but of a pro-active service provider and a partner in growth, development and peace, he asked the police officers to ensure that the grievances of common man were redressed. This, he said, would require a change of role of the police from a reactive to a pro-active agency, which in partnership with other stakeholders would create a peaceful and secure atmosphere conducive to the growth and prosperity of the nation.
The President called for paying enough attention to training and improvement in service conditions of police constables “who are the visible face of the government.” Inculcating in them the highest degree of discipline, integrity and commitment was absolutely necessary. “They are the cutting-edge of your work and the image of police overall depends on their conduct, behaviour and professionalism”.
The President presented the Prime Minister’s Baton and Home Ministry’s Revolver to Shalini Agnihotri, who was adjudged the Best All Round Officer Trainee. R. Bhaskaran was given the IPS Association’s Sword of Honour for the Best Outdoor Officer Trainee.
