Kolkata, August 27: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced several measures on Thursday aimed at reorganizing and strengthening the state police force. Speaking at an event held at the Kolkata Police Headquarters in Lalbazar, CM Adhikari emphasized the importance of both the force and rapid response vehicles in any disaster situation.
He revealed that each police station would receive a ‘112’ vehicle before Durga Puja, with a distribution event scheduled for Mahalaya (October 10) at Brigade Parade Ground.
As the police minister, Adhikari also introduced the ‘Lifesaver’ award to honor police officers who risk their lives in the line of duty. He stated that all police stations would undergo modernization, women’s assistance desks would be enhanced, and monitoring in the cyber department would be intensified.
With rising complaints of cybercrime, he announced the formation of a new brigade named ‘Arjun,’ consisting of 200 civil defense personnel, which will be deployed before Durga Puja and will include firefighters.
Recalling the previous government’s failure during Cyclone Amphan, CM Adhikari noted that the Odisha police had to send a 300-member disaster management team to clear trees within 12 hours, while local authorities struggled for three days.
He asserted that changes must occur, and the West Bengal police force will be expanded. Each police station will receive four ‘112’ vehicles, with 1 billion rupees allocated in this year’s budget. A total of 552 vehicles will be inaugurated at Brigade Parade Ground during Mahalaya.
Adhikari also announced financial assistance for lower-ranking police personnel, including 2,000 rupees worth of rations, advance salaries, and a 20% dearness allowance during Durga Puja in October.
Reiterating the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against anti-national activities and violence against women, he emphasized that police should act without waiting for orders.
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