Future-Ready Police Force Will Shape the Making of Viksit Bharat: President Droupadi Murmu

New Delhi, October 27: President Droupadi Murmu today said that a future-ready police force led by young officers will play a pivotal role in the making of Viksit Bharat, as she addressed probationers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) 77 RR (2024 batch) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Congratulating the young officers on entering one of the country’s most critical public service institutions, the President said India’s fast-growing economy demands strong law and order systems. “Effective policing is as important as economic incentives in promoting investment and growth,” she said, emphasising that peace and stability are essential for sustaining development.

The President reminded the probationers that authority must be balanced with accountability. “Your actions and conduct will always be under public scrutiny. You must choose what is ethical, not what is expedient,” she said, urging the officers to uphold fairness, justice, and transparency in every decision. She highlighted that while laws and systems empower officers, their real authority flows from personal and professional integrity. “Moral authority earns respect and trust,” she added, underscoring the value of ethical leadership in public service.

Acknowledging that police officers deal constantly with crime and conflict, the President cautioned that such exposure should not erode their empathy. “This profession can desensitise one to human suffering. As you strive to be effective officers, make a conscious effort to retain your compassionate core,” she advised.

President Murmu noted that rapid advances in technology have transformed the landscape of policing, bringing new challenges such as cybercrime and AI-enabled threats. “Just a decade ago, the term ‘digital arrest’ would have been unimaginable. Today, it is among the most dreaded threats to citizens,” she observed. She called on IPS officers to stay ahead of those who misuse technology, saying that the next generation of police leadership must embrace artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics to safeguard citizens in an increasingly connected world.

Reiterating that strong governance and internal security are essential pillars of development, President Murmu said young IPS officers represent India’s hope for a secure, just, and developed society. “A future-ready police force that combines technology with compassion will play a major role in shaping a Viksit Bharat,” she said. The interaction concluded with the President urging the probationers to carry forward the legacy of the Indian Police Service by upholding its highest traditions of service, courage, and integrity.