Chandigarh: In a landmark decision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced to give Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia amount to the family of Punjab Police Personnel in case of death in line-of-duty.
The Chief Minister was virtually addressing officers and personnel of the Punjab Police using the Punjab Police Technology platform here.
While addressing over 23000 Police Personnel of all ranks, the Chief Minister directed them to adopt zero against Gangsters, Drugs, Terrorism, Illegal Mining and Corruption.
Notably, Police Personnel of all ranks joined this meeting from as many as 933 Video Conferencing (VC) locations established by Punjab Police at State Police Headquarter, all District Police Offices, Police Stations, Training Centres, Special Task Force (STF) Office, Intelligence offices, SAANJH Kendras, various Armed Battalions and Railway Police. This is for the first time in Punjab that the Chief Minister addressed such a large number of police personnel.
While assuring all the Police Officers that there will be no interference in functioning of the Police in the state, CM Bhagwant Mann exhorted Police Personnel to perform their duties with absolute professionalism, dedication and integrity.
He also asked the Police force to ensure safety and security of people in the state and take action against lawbreakers without any bias.
Taking another remarkable decision for the welfare of the Punjab Police, the Chief Minister also announced to increase the Police Welfare Fund from Rs 10 crores to Rs 15 crores from this financial year.
He encouraged the Police officers and personnel to put in their best efforts to make the Punjab Police as one of the best Police Forces in the Country. He also asked the Police Force to treat their citizens with dignity.
Acknowledging the fact that the Police job is challenging and it is open to criticism despite putting best efforts, the Chief Minister lauded the role of the Punjab Police.
Meanwhile, since the Chief Minister had launched an initiative to felicitate Police Personnel on their Birthdays, as many as 5650 Birthday Greetings have been handed over to the Police Personnel on their Birthdays till date.