Assam Government Plans to Recruit 20,000 Police Personnel in Five Years

Major Recruitment Initiative Announced

Guwahati, Sept 2: The Assam government is aiming to recruit between 15,000 and 20,000 additional police officers over the next five years as part of its broader initiative to create two lakh job opportunities for the youth during this timeframe.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed this goal while speaking at the passing-out parade at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy (LBPA) in Dergaon on Wednesday.

“As part of our commitment to recruit two lakh youths in the next five years, I am confident that we can add 15,000 to 20,000 police personnel within the specified period,” Sarma stated.

The Chief Minister highlighted that approximately 21,000 police officers and constables have been recruited in the last five years through a transparent and merit-based approach, transforming the Assam Police into a “youth-led force.”

He emphasized the government's goal of achieving a “zero-vacancy” status for the Assam Police, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that no positions remain unfilled.”

Regarding crime control, Sarma noted that Assam has made notable advancements, with the crime rate decreasing from 379 incidents per one lakh population in 2021 to 116 per one lakh by July 2024.

He mentioned that registered cases have dropped from 1,33,239 to around 25,000, while the charge-sheet rate has improved to 86.85%, and the conviction rate has reached nearly 30%.

Highlighting the state's anti-drug initiatives, Sarma reported that Assam Police seized narcotics valued at Rs 3,254 crore and apprehended 26,537 individuals over the past five years, with a conviction rate of 57% in drug-related cases.

Sarma acknowledged that Assam's geographical position, bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar, presents ongoing security challenges.

He also called for a strict stance against crimes targeting women and urged law enforcement to intensify efforts against child marriage and polygamy.

The Chief Minister instructed the police to enhance anti-drug operations in Barak Valley, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh.

The passing-out parade celebrated the completion of training for 403 police personnel, including 32 Deputy Superintendents of Police who underwent a comprehensive 52-week foundational training program.

This training included a two-week orientation at the LBPA and two months at the North Eastern Police Academy in Meghalaya, covering various laws and modules on cybercrime, forensic science, and child safety, along with practical exercises in arms handling, horse riding, swimming, IED management, and crowd control.

Sarma urged the Director General of Police to enhance training standards at the LBPA, advocating for training that matches the quality of the Indian Armed Forces and the Agniveer program, along with specialized commando training.

Additionally, the Chief Minister will be in Dergaon for a two-day conference with senior superintendents of police (SSPs) on Wednesday and Thursday, marking the first such meeting since the current government took office.

“During the SSP conference, I will discuss law and order, new recruitments, drug issues, crimes against women and children, and other pertinent matters,” Sarma concluded.