Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today informed that Shillong would soon have a Police Commissioner to supervise policing and law and order duty in the city.
Speaking to media persons, Sangma said, “Most of the cities have a Commissioner of Police. However, in Shillong, we are still manned by an SP level officer. So once a commissioner is appointed, we will be having a much better structure and a better police team here in Shillong city to maintain law and order.”
When asked as to when the appointment will be made, Sangma said, “We are working on it and we are hopeful that very soon this process will be completed.”
Earlier, speaking at ceremony held at the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) to distribute appointment letters to the new batch of police recruits, Sangma said that in order to strengthen law enforcement in the State, the State government will recruit 2000 additional posts in the Police Department and purchase new vehicles for different police stations and outposts.
“The Government of Meghalaya recognises the significance of a well-staffed and efficient police force in effectively combating crime and maintaining order. Therefore, we are undertaking a number of crucial initiatives to strengthen law enforcement in the State, including the appointment of a commissioner in the district and the recruitment of 2000 additional posts in the Police Department,” Sangma said.
“Furthermore, to equip the police force with modern technology and enhance their responsiveness, we have taken a conscious decision to purchase new vehicles for different police stations and outposts. This will include the acquisition of 180-200 motorcycles to improve quick response times in emergencies,” he added.
The chief minister also said that the State government is in the process of establishing an engineering wing in the Police Department, with an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), as its chairman.
“This strategic move aims to address various infrastructural demands and will also allocate funds for the maintenance and construction of various police facilities,” he said.
According to Sangma, more reforms are underway, including the establishment of the Directorate of Forensics, to further strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
“We are confident that these initiatives will greatly contribute to improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations in Meghalaya,” he said.
Welcoming the new police personnel to the department, Director General of Police Lajja Ram Bishnoi said that all the recruits present today have undergone a rigorous recruitment process and tough competition and have been selected based on their merit and potential from all the 12 districts in the State.
“We are confident that their skills and dedication will greatly contribute to maintaining law and order in our state. As the new members of our law enforcement team, we trust that they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” he said.
Bishnoi also informed that 22.7 per cent female candidates took part in this year’s recruitment process. He also said that a diverse and inclusive workforce will better serve the community and enhance public trust in the Police Department.
During the ceremony held for the first time, the Police Department handed the appointment letters to 1010 police recruits who were selected from 1.5 lakh applicants.
Young recruits such as Ibapalei Syiemlieh, Ferdinand Chyrmang, Jessica Kharbuki and Meghna D. Sangma were handed their appointment letters by the chief minister in the presence of dignitaries, officers and the proud families.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, all the new recruits proudly sang the national anthem, reaffirming their commitment to the service of the State and its people.
