Check domination of criminals in assembly, says former DGP
Former DGP Prakash Singh on Tuesday said the domination of criminals and gangsters in state assemblies should be checked to improve law and order.
Addressing a programme ‘Discourse on resurrection of police reforms in India organised by Lok Adhikar Manch, Singh said gangsters were taking to politics to escape the law.
“Once these criminals become MP or MLA, the police have to salute them instead of taking action against them. This lowers the morale of the police force,” Singh said. Demanding more power and autonomy to the police force, he said, “Since Independence, the country has made progress in various sectors but the police system continues to function like it did during the colonial rule. No amendment has been made in the working of the police.”He said the police force was the first to respond to the acts of militants, terrorists and Maoist groups and it should be given autonomy and power to work effectively.
“Reform in police force is a must if the country has to move forward. Investment is required to bring about improvement in law and order or else we will be erecting development structures in the sand. Haryana has already suffered a loss of around Rs 20,000 crore due to the collapse of law and order in recent agitations,” he said. “In 1902, the Fraser Commission termed the police force as corrupt and oppressive. Even after 115 years there is no change in its working. The situation has worsened with the politicisation and criminalisation of the police force,” he said.
Blaming politicians and bureaucrats for delay in police reforms, Singh said they wanted the police force to remain a feudal oppressive tool to serve their vested interest. He said the Supreme Court had advocated for the implementation of police reforms but the directives were yet to be implemented.
“There is a need to fill vacant posts and improve infrastructure facilities. Instead of State list, the police should be included in Concurrent list. Police Commissioner system should be introduced in the state,” he said.
‘POLICE FAILED TO PERFORM DESPITE AUTONOMY’
Advocate general Raghvendra Singh on Tuesday said the state government has given maximum autonomy to the police to check crime but it has failed to produce desired result.
Stressing on the improvement of human values, Singh said some police officers were insensitive to the problems faced by the common people.
“The quality of police recruitment process should be improved on priority. Under previous governments, there were complaints of corruption in recruitment of constables,” he said.
Singh said psychological test of candidates appearing for the police recruitment examination should be conducted as was done in the army.
“If a candidate fails in psychological test, he should be rejected. Army jawans can work and live under difficult conditions as they are committed to their profession and country,” he said.
“The present police system is based on the Police Act, 1861. The British used the police to suppress the people. Today, political interference has worsened the working of the police force. The state government will focus on the training of policemen,” Singh said.