Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged the new batch of IPS officers to focus on good governance, earning public trust and keeping the honour of the uniform supreme.
Addressing the IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said that the police must be people-friendly and keep the nation’s interest in while taking decisions.
“Why is not the public trust increasing (in police) despite its officers laying down their lives to fight terrorism and to maintain law and order,” asked Modi. Modi said India has strived for better police service for 75 years now. “There should be a new beginning to it now,” he said. “What matters are your principles and intentions… and this should reflect through your conduct.” He asked the officers to be friendly with masses and always prioritise nation first.
Interacting with an officer, who has been allotted the Chhattisgarh cadre, Modi said that the role of a police officer becomes very important in conflict torn areas. “Police officers also have to promote development and a social connect among the people,” he said. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March and advised the officers to adhere to the notion of Satyagraha. He added in the past, Indians were ready to die for independence. “Now, you should go ahead and live for this nation.”
The Prime Minister exhorted the officer trainees to remember the spirit of the freedom struggle. He said the period between 1930 to 1947 saw the younger generation of our country rise in unison to achieve a great goal. He said that same feeling is expected in the youth of today, “They fought for ‘Swarajya’; you have to move forward for ‘Su rajya’”, said Modi, adding that “You are lucky to enter Service in the 75th Year of Azadi, next 25 years are critical for both you and India.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of State Nityanand Rai were also present on the occasion.