Amaravati, June 17: Andhra Pradesh’s Home and Disaster Management Minister, Vangalapudi Anita, announced on Tuesday that the state government is committed to making Andhra Pradesh the safest state in the country. This goal will be achieved through public participation, police-community cooperation, the use of technology, transparent administration, rapid response, and strict law enforcement.
The minister emphasized that the government’s aim is not just to respond to crimes after they occur but to prevent them before they happen. She stated that the government is working without compromise to ensure public safety, uphold women’s dignity, secure the future of youth, and promote social harmony.
During a press conference, she highlighted that under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, the coalition government has made significant improvements in law enforcement, women’s safety, drug control, cybercrime prevention, disaster management, prison reform, and police welfare over the past two years.
Anita noted that the government has transformed systems that were previously limited to political interests into an administration focused on public service and accountability. She stressed that maintaining law and order is not merely a show of power but a responsibility to gain the public’s trust.
The minister reported a nearly 14.1% reduction in the overall crime rate in the state during the government’s tenure. This decline has been attributed to technology, improved surveillance systems, scientific investigation methods, and better inter-departmental coordination.
She mentioned that the government is utilizing CCTV cameras, drones, AI-based analysis, and digital surveillance systems under the ‘Invisible Policing’ initiative to work on crime prevention and identification. Measures are also being taken to monitor criminal activities, quickly gather evidence, and expedite investigations.
Prioritizing women’s safety, the minister expressed that true freedom is when women can walk the streets at night without fear. To achieve this, a special women’s safety wing, district-level security arrangements, and a technology-based rapid response system have been developed.
She reported that through the ‘Shakti’ app, 1.115 million emergency SOS calls have been received, all of which were acted upon promptly.
Anita also mentioned ‘Operation Muskaan,’ which focuses on locating missing children, women, and the elderly and reuniting them with their families. Under this initiative, 8,396 individuals have been safely returned to their loved ones.
The minister assured that the government treats POCSO cases with utmost sensitivity and takes strict action against those committing sexual offenses against children. Special investigation teams, rapid forensic analysis, a dedicated prosecution system, and psychological and social support for victims have been established. So far, 2,293 children have received counseling and rehabilitation services.
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