In a pioneering move to transform citizen-centric policing, Punjab has become the first state in India to launch an Internal Police Reforms Project. The initiative, conceptualized by the Indian Police Foundation (IPF) and funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, aimed at revolutionizing the way police services are delivered at the grassroots level, enhancing transparency, responsiveness, and community engagement.
The project was inaugurated by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Community Affairs Division Gurpreet Kaur Deo at the Punjab Police Officer's Institute (PPOI). In attendance were notable figures including IPF vice president and retired DGP Dr Ish Kumar, and key officials from Punjab Police, including DIG Roopnagar and State Nodal Officer Nilambri Jagdale.
The project will initially focus on two districts — SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Roopnagar (Ropar) —with six and nine police stations, respectively, before expanding statewide.
Special DGP Deo, addressing the gathering, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Punjab Police is committed to internal reforms that ensure the best policing for our citizens.” She noted the success of SAANJH project, which allows residents to access essential services online, reducing the need for in-person visits to police stations. This initiative reflected Punjab’s dedication to fostering a citizen-friendly policing environment.
Dr Ish Kumar praised the SAANJH project as a model for addressing public grievances and indicated that similar initiatives would be replicated in other states. He detailed the Internal Police Reforms Project’s research framework, which includes interviews and discussions with complainants, service seekers, victims, and civil society, aiming to identify areas for improvement.
The reforms will focus on several critical areas, including accessibility and response — aimed at enhancing public access to police services and ensuring prompt responses to complaints; quality of investigation — aimed at improving investigative practices and minimizing harassment, particularly towards vulnerable populations; citizen services — aimed at streamlining services such as police verifications and licenses for better efficiency and transparency; work environment — aimed at creating a positive atmosphere within police stations to boost morale and motivation among officers; community policing — aimed at strengthening relationships between police and communities to foster trust and collaboration; police behaviour — aimed at ensuring respectful and supportive treatment of all individuals interacting with law enforcement; and police training — aimed at advancing training programs to enhance professional standards and ethical practices among police personnel.
