UP Government Boosts Police & Forensic Capacity

• 27 Nov 2024

Why in News?

On Constitution Day (26^th November), Chief Minister of UP highlighted the state’s commitment to transparent police recruitment and establishing forensic labs at the zonal level during the National Conference on Forensic Science and Cybersecurity.

• These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance law and order, ensuring timely justice for victims and maintaining good governance.

Key Points

• Highlights of the Conference:
  • New Criminal Laws:
    • India has recently implemented three new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
    • These laws, effective from 1^st July 2024, aim to protect citizens by ensuring that no one is declared guilty without proper evidence.
  • Challenges and Reforms in Law and Order:
    • Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced significant challenges in maintaining law and order, with a high prevalence of hooliganism (vandalism/violence).
    • The Uttar Pradesh Government has observed that over half of the positions within the Uttar Pradesh Police were unfilled during previous government. Addressing this situation has become a key focus for the current government.
  • Transparent Recruitment and Forensic Labs:
    • The state government has recruited over 154,000 police personnel transparently and recently initiated the recruitment of an additional 7,200 policemen.
    • Earlier, forensic labs were limited to four locations. Now, high-quality forensic labs have been established at the zonal level, with plans to expand them to the range level.
    • These labs are crucial for gathering evidence in criminal cases and ensuring justice.
  • Cybersecurity and Forensic Science Initiatives:
    • Today, 1,775 police stations in Uttar Pradesh are equipped with cyber helplines, enhancing the state’s ability to tackle cybercrime.
    • Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences has been established to further support forensic investigations and improve the quality of evidence presented in court.

Constitution Day

• The Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas, is celebrated in India on 26^th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
  • On 29^th August, 1947, the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution for India.
  • On 26^th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26^th January 1950.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19^th November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.
• The day is observed to spread the importance of the constitution and the thoughts and ideas of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution.