Urgent need to transform public perception of police: PM Modi

Addressing the top police brass of the country on Sunday (November 30, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms for the regular monitoring of banned outfits, ensuring the holistic development of areas freed from Left Wing Extremism, and adopting innovative models to strengthen coastal security.

Mr. Modi also emphasised the “urgent need to transform public perception of the police, particularly among the youth, by enhancing professionalism, sensitivity, and responsiveness.” He was speaking at the 60th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police being held in Raipur, with the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions’.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for stronger preparedness and coordination, urging police chiefs to reinforce mechanisms for effective disaster management covering cyclones, floods, and other natural emergencies, including the ongoing situation of Cyclone Ditwah. He emphasised that proactive planning, real-time coordination, prompt response, and a whole-of-government approach are essential to safeguard lives and ensure minimal disruption during such events, a government statement said.

Holistic approach

Mr. Modi emphasised that tackling drug abuse also requires a whole-of-government approach, bringing together enforcement, rehabilitation, and community-level intervention.

He highlighted the need to strengthen urban policing, reinvigorate the tourist police, and increase public awareness regarding the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, which have replaced colonial-era criminal laws, the statement said.

He directed the police and the wider administration to adopt innovative strategies for integrating uninhabited islands, make effective use of databases integrated under NATGRID, and link these systems through artificial intelligence to generate actionable intelligence. He encouraged universities and academic institutions to undertake case studies on the use of forensics in police investigations, noting that enhanced forensic application would further strengthen the criminal justice system.

Long-term policing roadmap

The conference, organised by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), witnessed in-depth deliberations on a wide range of national security matters. Discussions were held on the long-term Roadmap for Policing towards Vision 2047, emerging trends in counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation, leveraging technology to enhance women’s safety, strategies to bring back Indian fugitives based abroad, and strengthening forensic capabilities to ensure effective investigation and prosecution.

In his address, Mr. Modi urged the police leadership to realign their style of policing to meet the aspirations of a nation on the path to development.

The Prime Minister distributed the President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. He also presented awards to the three best-performing cities in urban policing, a recognition instituted for the first time to encourage innovation and improvement in urban policing.

The conference was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The DGPs and IGPs from all States and Union Territories, as well as heads of central armed police forces and central police organisations, participated physically, while more than 700 officers of various ranks joined virtually from across the country.