New Delhi/Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged young Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to prepare for evolving internal security challenges, exercise authority responsibly and focus on performance rather than publicity. He emphasised that humility, restraint and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution must remain the guiding principles of policing.
Shah’s message was read out by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, an IAS officer of 1989 batch from teh Sikkim cadre, at the passing-out parade of the 78th batch of regular recruits at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Addressing the probationers through his message, Shah called upon them to recognise that the authority entrusted to police officers is a responsibility, not a status. He advised them to earn public recognition through their work instead of seeking publicity, underlining that professional integrity and effective performance are the true measures of a police officer’s contribution.
The Home Minister also reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, stating that national security must remain the highest priority. He highlighted the growing importance of technology and surveillance systems in securing the country’s borders and called for stronger investigations through modern technological tools and forensic science.
Shah further stressed that the spirit of the new criminal justice laws must reach the grassroots level so that their intended reforms translate into effective policing and justice delivery.
151 Officer Trainees Participate in Passing-Out Parade
A total of 151 officer trainees participated in the passing-out parade after completing their training as part of the 78th batch of regular recruits at SVPNPA, Hyderabad.
The group comprised 135 IPS probationers, including 37 women, and 16 foreign officer trainees from Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan attended the ceremony as the chief guest, reviewed the parade and presented awards to officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during their training.
The ceremony marked the completion of the first phase of professional training for the officer trainees, preparing them for the responsibilities of police leadership, public order management, crime prevention and internal security.
Govind Mohan Highlights Five Major Challenges for Police
In his address, Govind Mohan outlined five major challenges that police officers are likely to face in the coming years. He called for a proactive, coordinated and technology-enabled response to threats ranging from narcotics trafficking and cybercrime to terrorism, illegal immigration-related criminal activity and the misuse of digital platforms.
1. Dismantling Drug Trafficking Networks
The Home Secretary urged police officers to dismantle drug trafficking networks and contribute to the national objective of building a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.
He stressed the importance of effective action against the networks responsible for drug distribution, with police forces expected to strengthen enforcement and address the criminal structures that sustain narcotics trafficking.
2. Curbing Cybercrime and Financial Fraud
Mohan called for effective measures at the state level to tackle cybercrime, particularly fraud involving mule bank accounts and the use of fake SIM cards.
Such methods are frequently used to facilitate digital financial fraud and conceal the identities of those involved. He emphasised the need for police forces to strengthen their ability to detect these activities and take timely action against the networks exploiting them.
3. Countering Terrorism and Identifying Illegal Residents Involved in Crime
The Home Secretary stressed the need for continuous monitoring of terrorist threats, whether originating within the country or inspired by developments and extremist influences abroad.
He also called for the identification of foreign nationals residing illegally in India and engaging in criminal activities, emphasising that appropriate legal action must follow.
“Individuals residing in the country illegally and engaging in criminal activities must be identified, and legal action should be taken against them,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, sustained vigilance and lawful enforcement in addressing security threats.
4. Using Technology to Track Criminals
Mohan underlined the growing challenge posed by criminals who conceal their identities and use digital tools to evade detection. These include the darknet, cryptocurrency transactions and virtual private networks (VPNs).
He urged police officers to adopt modern technological tools to trace, identify and apprehend offenders who exploit such platforms to commit crimes while attempting to obscure their activities.
The emphasis on technology reflects the need for investigative capabilities to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal methods. Digital investigation, technical expertise and modern forensic techniques are becoming essential components of effective policing.
5. Tackling Fake News and Deepfake Videos
The Home Secretary also warned about the impact of fake messages and deepfake videos circulated through social media, noting that such content can threaten law and order and create unnecessary tension in society.
He advised police officers to take proactive measures to prevent misleading and manipulated content from escalating into public disorder.
Mohan further emphasised the need to expand the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in policing. Their effective adoption, alongside appropriate safeguards and investigative expertise, can strengthen the ability of police forces to respond to emerging threats.
Technology, Professional Integrity and Constitutional Values at the Core of Policing
The messages delivered at the passing-out parade highlighted the changing nature of police responsibilities. Alongside conventional duties such as crime prevention, investigation and maintaining public order, officers must now contend with cyber-enabled fraud, digital anonymity, narcotics networks, terrorism and the rapid spread of misleading online content.
Amit Shah’s message placed equal emphasis on the professional conduct of officers, urging them to remain humble, exercise restraint and uphold the Constitution while discharging their duties. His call to stay away from publicity reinforced the expectation that police officers should be judged by their performance and service to the public.
Govind Mohan’s address complemented this message by identifying the practical security challenges that the new officers will encounter in their careers. The emphasis on technology, forensic science, intelligence and proactive policing underscored the need for police forces to modernise their capabilities while maintaining accountability and the rule of law.
As the 151 trainees begin the next stage of their professional journeys, the central message of the ceremony was clear: effective policing will require constitutional commitment, professional discipline and the ability to respond to an increasingly complex internal security environment.
