2010-batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre, Mr. Ankit Goyal, who was till recently the Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli district, is the recipient of the ‘Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year’ award this year. Five persons were nominated in the category of Administration IPS (Promising) Officer, and Mr. Goyal walked away with the award. He was chosen for his work in Gadchiroli district during his two years stint there, work that changed the lives of common people of this Naxal-hit district. One of the many laudable initiatives launched by him that people sat up and took notice is the ‘Police Dadalora Khidki’ that helped more than 2.5 lakhs people in the district.
Apart from this, 54 Naxalities were neutralised, including their dreaded leader Milind Teltumbde, who gave a hot chase to police, 44 Naxals were arrested, and 12 Naxals surrendered. That is why, 42 officers and employees who served in the Gadchiroli district were awarded Shaurya Medal, three were awarded Shaurya Chakra and two were awarded President’s Medal for meritorious service, in August 2022. And, behind it all was the hand of IPS officer Ankit Goyal, who led from the front.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Mr. Goyal, who is now the Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, to get more details about the recently received award, and what brought him this honour.
MOST PROMISING IPS OFFICER OF THE YEAR
For the officer, progress in Gadhchiroli is a continuous process. Every government servant has done something for this district and every officer that came here worked hard to take it forward. “I came, and I also tried my best with my team. So, change is an ongoing process here and people are living in a much better environment than before,” he said humbly.
It is an honour for him to receive the Lokmat award, as he along with his team have worked very hard in Gadhchiroli to ensure that even the people living the remotest areas remain connected to the mainstream. And, while ensuring this, they had to fight the violent Maoist ideology as welland, at the same time, keep the common people motivated. “And we could achieve that. And, that is why, recognition has been given by the esteemed jury and the people. I feel deeply honoured,” he said.
Incidentally, while 55 Naxalites were neutralised during his tenure -dreaded ones who had rewards of around 4.5 crores on them, there was not a single casualty in the police force. “The public voted for all these successes, and the jury probably paid attention to it,” the officer said.
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES THAT CAUGHT ATTENTION
The winner was decided on the basis of both the jury and online voting.Mr. Goyal feels that his initiative ‘Police Dadalora Khidki’ was the clincher, as it received much attention and appreciation.
An innovative social media cartoon series named ‘Gadhchiroli Files’ also made a big impact. The series went a long way in removing any misconception about Gadhchiroli, both in and outside the district, and the comic element added a fresh air to it. “To fight Maoism and bust their fake propaganda, we had to run the information campaign ourselves, and this was the most integral part of this fight,” Mr. Goyal said of the comic series.
FAVOURITE MEASURES
His favourite from among all the measures undertaken by him in Gadchiroli is the elimination of the dreaded Naxal leader, Milind Teltumbde in an encounter. Next comes the ‘Police Dadalora Khidki’ initiative, under which, 2.5 lakh people could be connected to the administration within a span of two years. “The full name, ‘Police Dadalora Khidki-Mava Hakka tha khidki’ means ‘the window of my rights’. This was the basic purpose of this initiative – that people should come and assert their rights. And people did it! That’s why I derive a great satisfaction from it,” said Mr. Goyal.
POLICE DADALORA KHIDKI
Dwelling at length on the ‘Police Dadalora Khidki’ initiative, he further said that although this was an initiative of Gadchiroli Police, they did it in coordination with several other departments. “Coordinating with different agencies, the police department gives training for skill development to the youth, either for jobs or for self-employment, training related to the automobile sector, hospitality sector, nursing, electrical, construction, etc. The department also helps the youth to get jobs by organising placements.”
They also help the people of the Naxal-affected areas to get Ayushman Bharat cards, caste certificates, etc., and avail various government schemes easily.
ABOUT THE LOKMAT AWARD
This award is given every year to individuals and organizations who have made remarkable contributions in the fields of public service – social service, education, administration, politics, medical, industry, sports, agriculture, CSR. Theaward honours extraordinary people who have dared to make a difference in society through selfless devotion. Politicians, bureaucrats, social workers, artists, athletes, and people from the entertainment world are recognized and applauded.
