In a significant move to bolster youth recruitment into the police force, Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Thursday that police grounds across the state will be made accessible for training. This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities for candidates from both cities and villages to practice for the physical tests required in recruitment drives.
Opening Doors for Aspiring Police Personnel
Harsh Sanghavi, who also serves as the state's Home Minister, revealed the plan during a function at the Ahmedabad Rural police headquarters. He stated that not only police grounds but also facilities belonging to the State Reserve Police (SRP) and other units would be opened for aspirants. The government is further considering providing access to professional coaches and physiotherapists. This support system is designed to help candidates prepare safely and effectively for the demanding physical endurance tests, ensuring a level playing field.
A Hub of New Projects and Citizen-Centric Policing
The announcement was made alongside the inauguration and foundation stone laying for several key projects. These included the new Khakhi Bhavan headquarters building, the ADR-Shield project for migrant worker databases, the Blue Circuit rainwater harvesting system, the Abhayyatri project, the Aslali divisional police officer's office, and the Viramgam police line.
Praising the Ahmedabad Rural police, Sanghavi described its jurisdiction as a "unique policing landscape" encompassing industrial zones, urban areas, remote villages, and sites of archaeological importance linked to the Harappan civilisation. He highlighted the unit's role as a model for earning public trust through citizen-focused initiatives and robust law enforcement.
Cyber Strikes and Strengthening Public Trust
On the front of cybercrime, the minister declared a major victory. He stated that Gujarat police executed a "historic surgical strike" against mule bank accounts used by online fraudsters. In a swift nine-day operation, police registered 508 cases and arrested 423 accused after identifying suspicious accounts. The dedicated 1930 cyber helpline played a crucial role in this crackdown, helping recover substantial sums of money for victims.
Sanghavi also commended other programs like ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’, which ensures the prompt return of lost or stolen property to citizens. To further strengthen community bonds, he urged police officers to remain approachable and compassionate while taking strict action against criminals. A key suggestion was to fix dedicated days and hours at police stations for the public to interact with senior officers.
"Arrangements should be made so citizens can meet the Police Inspector and Deputy Superintendent at police stations," Sanghavi emphasized, advocating for set timings. In response, Ahmedabad Rural SP Omprakash Jat reported that he has personally met over 9,000 people and ensures that PIs and DySPs engage with citizens daily to resolve their grievances.
