PM Modi Attends 59th All India Conference of Police Chiefs in Bhubaneswar

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

Why in News?

PM Modi attended the 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police at Bhubaneswar on December 1.

The three-day conference was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah on November 29. This conference serves as an important platform for discussing national security issues, law enforcement strategies, and coordination among various security and police agencies across India.

The 58th All-India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan January 2023.

59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police

• About
  • The three-day Conference, from November 29 to December 1, 2024, was held in hybrid format at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
    • The conference was attended by the Union Home Minister, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the National Security Advisor, Ministers of State for Home, and the Union Home Secretary. 
    • DGsP/IGsP from all States/UTs and heads of CAPF/CPOs participated physically, while over 750 officers of various ranks joined virtually in the hybrid-format event.
  • The conference is the culmination of extensive deliberations involving police and intelligence officers from the district, state and national levels on identified themes.
• Hosted by
  • It was hosted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• Outcomes
  • Best practices from States and Union Territories was presented at the Conference so that States can learn from each other.
  • In depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter terrorism, left wing extremism, cyber-crime, economic security, immigration, coastal security and narco-trafficking. 
  • Deliberations were also held on emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing and strategies for countering malicious narratives. 
  • Further, a review was undertaken of implementation of newly enacted major criminal laws, initiatives and best practices in policing as also the security situation in the neighborhood. 

Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

• Addressing Deepfakes and Digital Threats
  • PM Modi emphasized the importance of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to counter deepfakes and their potential to disrupt social and familial relationships.
  • Special teams should be created to tackle digital frauds, with a focus on updating crime data and educating the public, such as during school parents-teacher meetings.
  • The PM highlighted the need to dismantle the narco-trafficking nexus, suggesting strict action from top to bottom.
  • PM Modi had earlier raised concerns about ‘digital arrests’ and deep fakes in his Mann ki Baat address and in November 2023.
• Enhanced Police Engagement in Border Areas
  • Police personnel in border regions were instructed to spend nights in villages with senior officials to understand local issues better and build community trust.
• Utilizing Technology for Policing
  • Modi called for the use of technology to reduce the workload of the police constabulary and proposed that police stations become central hubs for resource allocation.
• Combating Cyber Fraud and Crime
  • The PM addressed the need to update crime data electronically and improve measures to counter cyber-related issues. 
  • India reportedly lost approximately Rs 11,333 crore to cyber fraud until September 2024, according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
    • MHA has initiated a high-level committee and the I4C is collaborating with states and private sectors to combat these issues.
    • Over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEIs linked to cyber-crimes have been blocked, with over ₹3,431 crore saved through I4C’s proactive measures.
• Urban Policing and Emerging Security Concerns
  • Modi suggested scaling successful urban policing initiatives to all 100 cities and advocated for the SMART policing approach—Strategic, Meticulous, Adaptable, Reliable, and Transparent.
• Commemoration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • PM Modi recalled Patel’s “unparalleled contribution” to the MHA and urged the security establishment to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary by setting goals to enhance police image and professionalism.

Q.1. What were the main outcomes of the 59th All India Conference of Police Chiefs?

The conference, held in Bhubaneswar, focused on national security challenges, including cybercrime and counter-terrorism. Key outcomes included discussions on best practices, border security, urban policing strategies, and the use of technology to enhance police operations and community engagement.

Q.2. What key points did PM Modi emphasize during his speech?

PM Modi highlighted the need for AI to combat digital threats, reducing police workload with tech solutions, and enhancing community trust in border areas. He also stressed updating crime data electronically and commemorating Sardar Patel’s contributions to improve the professionalism of the police force.

News: PM Modi asks police brass to focus on deepfakes, narco-terror, digital frauds | PIB