Indus Valley Times

By Dalim Phukan

Guwahati /Assam, Sep 2 : Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday attended the passing-out parade of 32 Deputy Superintendents of Police (Probationers) and 371 Constables of the Communication Branch at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy (LBPA), Dergaon, marking the successful completion of their training.

Inspecting the parade, the Chief Minister presented awards to personnel who excelled during their training. Addressing the 403 newly trained police personnel, Sarma described the passing-out parade as one of the most memorable moments in the life of anyone associated with a uniformed service. He said the pride and honour associated with wearing the police uniform remains etched in the memory of personnel throughout their lives.

The 32 DSP probationers completed 52 weeks of basic training, including a two-week orientation programme at LBPA and two months of specialised training at the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA), Meghalaya. Their training covered the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, POCSO Act, Arms Act, NDPS Act, cybercrime, forensic science and child protection.

The probationers were also trained in digital platforms such as Assam Police Seva Setu, besides receiving practical instruction in weapon handling, horse riding and other areas essential for modern policing.

The 371 Constables of the Communication Branch underwent 20 weeks of basic training at the Second Assam Police Battalion, Howly, and the 28th Assam Police Battalion. Their specialised training included police communication systems, modern digital communication equipment and cyber security.

Sarma said the comprehensive training imparted at LBPA and other training centres would prepare the newly inducted personnel to become technologically equipped, professionally competent and people-oriented members of the Assam Police. He expressed confidence that the training would strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to emerging challenges in internal security and modern policing.

LBPA to Become National Centre of Excellence

The Chief Minister said the State Government has been making sustained efforts to strengthen the infrastructure and training capabilities of LBPA, which has now gained recognition at the national level. Several States, he said, have approached the Assam Government seeking training facilities for their police personnel at the Academy.

Sarma said the government would facilitate training programmes for police forces from other States in accordance with the requirements of the Assam Police. The long-term objective, he said, is to transform LBPA from a State-level institution into a national-level centre of excellence in police training.

Referring to his recent visit to the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong, where he witnessed modern and rigorous training, the Chief Minister directed the Director General of Police, Assam, to further strengthen the capabilities of LBPA.

He called for the Academy to be equipped to impart advanced commando training as well as training on the lines of the Agniveer training provided in the Indian Armed Forces.

The State Government, he said, would continue to invest in the development of the Academy, including strengthening its infrastructure and sports-training facilities. He also informed that a decision has been taken to launch Assam Police’s 112 emergency response service from LBPA.

Sarma said the ultimate objective is to develop LBPA into an institution comparable with premier training establishments of the Indian Army, capable of providing high-quality, modern and multidisciplinary training to police personnel.

21,000 Recruited into Assam Police in Five Years

Highlighting the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the Assam Police, Sarma said recruitment of officers and constables has been carried out every year in a transparent manner. Approximately 21,000 personnel have been recruited into the Assam Police during the past five years, significantly strengthening the force and making it younger and more responsive.

He said the sustained recruitment drive has helped the Assam Police move towards a situation of minimal vacancies. As part of the government’s initiative to provide government employment to two lakh youths over the next five years, around 15,000 to 20,000 youths are expected to be recruited into the Assam Police, he added.

The Chief Minister also praised the contribution of the Assam Police in maintaining peace and security in the State during the past five years. With insurgency-related challenges declining, he said, the force has increasingly focused on core policing responsibilities, including maintenance of law and order, prevention and detection of crime and tackling emerging threats such as cybercrime.

Zero Tolerance Towards Crimes Against Women and Children

Calling upon the Assam Police to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against women, Sarma stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of women across the State. He said Assam should emerge as a unique State in the country in terms of women’s safety and security.

He also called for sustained action against offences such as child marriage and polygamy. Over the next five years, he said, Assam Police must work towards completely eliminating crimes against women and children and help establish Assam as a State firmly rooted in social justice.

Congratulating the newly trained officers and constables, the Chief Minister called upon them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, discipline and a strong commitment to public service.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, Women and Child Development Minister Ajanta Neog, Member of Parliament Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Biswajit Phukan and Mridul Dutta, Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Ajay Tiwari, and several other senior officials attended the programme..