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.