Punjab government has allocated additional funds to the tune of Rs. 107 crores for modernization of State police which includes ultra-modern weaponary , latest security gadgets , sufficient number of two-wheelers and four wheelers for quick response in rural areas to further enhancing its efficiency especially ensuring quick response. This was stated here today by Punjab DGP Mr. Suresh Arora, during his interaction with residents of Malsian under recently started unique anti drugs campaign of State police to hold village level meetings. The DGP pointed out these funds were meant for strengthening the present police infrastructure at Police Station and Police post level with focus on ensuring rapid rural response system by ensuring quick response on any distress call besides more police presence in far furlong rural areas. He said that 400 motor cycles and 230 vehicles will be helpfull in better equipping the force in rural areas. He further said that the state police would soon start recruitment of 4000 male and 2000 female constables thereby creating career opportunities for youngsters in force.
Reiterating the Zero tolerance approach towards drug trafficking and drug addiction , the State Police Chief exhorted the public to come forward and play a proactive role in curbing the menace of drugs from the sacred soil of Punjab by keeping close eye on any such activity in their respective village or area and by timely sharing their information on 181 police helpline and it would be the great service for society especially saving our younger generation from felling prey to this menace. He said that the suggestion being given by public from their day to day experience were being taken seriously and as per today’s suggestion of keeping vigil of abandoned buildings and small roads, the State police will soon come out with a special plan.He said that these village level seminar cum interaction with public was aimed for accurate feedback and adopt strategy accordingly for wiping out this curse. He said that this campaign was launched yesterday and under it SP and above rank officers will cover all villages and prominent localities of urban areas in next three months. He said that SP rank officers posted in the districts have been directed to cover 50-60 villages in a month, SSP rank officers to 40-50 villages ,DIG/Ranges to 40 villages and Zonal IGPs & Commissioner of Police to 30-35 such villages & localities in urban areas.
Similarly, senior officers of different wings including those from headquarters will also be deputed for covering such areas, he added.The DGP informed that Punjab Police would soon procure 40 highly trained sniffer dogs to use their services for searching drugs especially during laying of special and surprise nakas’. He said that five such sniffer dogs had already been procured and stationed at Commissionerate Police Ludhiana, Batala, SBS Nagar, Ludhiana (Rural) and SAS Nagar.The DGP was accompanied by Mr. Ishwar Singh, IGP-cum-Director, State Narcotic Control Bureau, SSP Jalandhar (Rural) Mr. Harmohan Singh.