Chandigarh, February 5 - The Haryana Police Complaint Authority convened a national conference today with the aim of standardizing the operations of Police Complaint Authorities across states. These authorities are tasked with addressing public grievances regarding police conduct and functioning. This conference, a first of its kind in the nation, facilitated in-depth discussions on various pertinent issues. Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal, speaking as the chief guest, emphasized the need for enhancing the efficacy of these authorities, ensuring swift resolution of complaints, and fostering improved coordination with law enforcement agencies.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that the present government, upon assuming office, has made significant efforts to strengthen the mandate of the State Police Complaint Authority. Our goal was to pursue a fair path in addressing public grievances. He said that upon assuming office, there were complaints regarding non-registration of FIRs. In response, directives were issued to ensure that FIRs should be registered for every individual visiting police station. Furthermore, to alleviate concerns regarding police jurisdiction, instructions were issued to implement zero FIR registration, effectively streamlining the process.
He said that after assuming office in 2014, his aim from the very first day was to curb corruption in the state. For this he has taken many effective steps to ensure transparency into the governance. Regarding police reforms, the Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, particularly in addressing financial irregularities such as tax evasion, electricity theft, mining theft, and illegal canal water usage. In addition, current government has established He said that our government has established 33 women police stations and has also increased the female representation in the police force. To deal with cyber crime, separate cyber police stations have also been created and cyber desks have been established in every police station.
He said that State Police Complaint Authority was established to address grievances related to police misconduct. Over the course of its operation, approximately 2000 complaints have been lodged with the Haryana Police Complaint Authority. Based on the authority's recommendations, the government has taken decisive actions against the implicated police officers and staff, including suspensions and fines. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in public confidence in the authority's efficacy, affirming their belief that their complaints are being earnestly addressed.
Officials encouraged performing their duties with a spirit of service
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Sh Manohar Lal said that ‘Mission Karmayogi’, aimed at aligning administrative services with the requirements of the future, fostering the appropriate mindset, skills, and knowledge. He highlighted the implementation of ‘Mission Karmayogi in Haryana’, with approximately 3.5 lakh employees undergoing training to meet public expectations. All officers and employees need to work with a spirit of service.
He remarked that organizing such a conference is a commendable decision, facilitating the exchange of best practices among all states. Expressing gratitude to the keynote speaker of the conference, Sh Prakash Singh, DGP (Retd.), he said that Sh Prakash Singh has consistently emphasized the need for police reforms and has tirelessly worked towards that goal.
Haryana Police Complaint Authority started an online complaint registration system – Navraj Sandhu
Speaking on this occasion, Chairperson of the Haryana Police Complaint Authority, Mrs. Navraj Sandhu, highlighted on the constitution and functions of the authority. She said that Chairpersons and Members from various states have participated in today's conference, emphasizing discussions on enhancing the functionality of police authorities nationwide. Mrs. Sandhu mentioned the special initiatives undertaken by the Haryana Police Complaint Authority to raise public awareness, including the implementation of an online complaint registration system.
She said that Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal has extended full support and encouragement to the Authority, resulting in its enhanced performance compared to other states. Special efforts have been made to raise awareness among the people, she added.
In his keynote address, Sh Prakash Singh, DGP (Retired) one of the well known architects of police reforms gave key note address which outlined the genesis of the State Police Complaint Authorities. He highlighted the need for having strong and effective State Police Complaint Authorities in order to provide relief to the citizens and to check the misuse of powers by the Police. Tracing the history of the police reforms, he elaborated the various issues faced by the police and the efforts that have been made to give it operational autonomy.
Haryana Advocate General Sh Baldev Raj Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Sh TVSN Prasad, Director General of Police Sh Shatrujit Kapur, ADGP CID Sh Alok Mittal, Members Haryana Police Complaint Authority Sh KK Mishra and Sh RC Verma, Chairman of Haryana Public Service Commission, Sh. Alok Verma, Chairman of Haryana Food Commission, Sh. Arun Sangwan, along with chairpersons and members of police complaint authorities from different states were also present on this occasion.