In a bid to improve policing in Uttarakhand, the State Government is all set to open eight new police stations in revenue police jurisdictional areas. This was disclosed in course of the meeting of cabinet sub- committee, which was constituted by the Chief Minister Harish Rawat, in Dehradun on Friday.
The cabinet sub- committee comprises Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya and Home Minister Pritam Sing. They explained why such a decision has become an imperative in the changed texture of the state’s law and order scenario. Notably, Uttarakhand has a long tradition of revenue police, an institution brought into force by the British regime was back in 1861.
During the meeting, the ministers said that the hills being sensitive, the decision to open regular police stations in places under the jurisdiction of Revenue Police is unavoidable. However, IG Garhwal Range has been instructed to bring the public representatives like Kshetra Panchayat Member, Gram Pradhan and District Panchayat members on board before moving ahead. Their recommendations should be listened to with attentiveness. Their consent is a must before taking things to the logical conclusion, the ministers stressed.
ADGP Anil Kumar Raturi briefed the committee about the areas which are being given to the charge of regular police from that of Revenue Police. Currently, 60 percent area of the state comes under Revenue Police’s jurisdiction.
He also pointed out why regular police system is required in the areas hitherto under the charge of Revenue Police. Revenue Police going on strike frequently is impacting law and order adversely. “We can hardly afford to leave 60 per cent of the State’s area to anarchy. Besides, the staff strength of Revenue Police is less than what is required”, he stressed.
Even several serious crime cases, which were committed in areas under Revenue Police’s jurisdiction are being transferred to regular police. Even the Chief Minister Harish Rawat has instructed that the women- related cases even if they happen under Revenue Police’s jurisdiction will be investigated by the civil police.
During the festival season, disaster and law and order problems, civil police is being sent to provide security to the VIPs during their visits. He also invoked Uttarakhand High Court running critical of the Revenue Police for going on strike at the drop of their hats to bolster his line of argument while addressing the sub-committee.
Regular police stations would come up in Mori in Uttarkashi, lambganv and Thatyud in Tehri Garhwal, Thalisain in Pauri, Danya in Almora, Kanda in Bageshwar, Thana pati in Champawat and Tyuni in Dehradun districts. The Government notification has already been issued regarding the proposed police station in Tyuni in Dehradun district. However, jurisdictional area of Tyuni police station is yet to be notified by the State Government.
During the meeting, DGP BS Sidhu, Secretary Revenue council Vijay Dhondiyal, IG PHQ Deepam Seth, ADG Administration RS Meena, Aditional Secretary Home Ajay Rautela, ADGP Administration Anil K Raturi, IG Garhwal Sanjay Gunjyal, DIG Ardh Kumbh Mela GS Martolia and other senior police officers were present.