Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said that the state government will provide all possible assistance to ensure modernisation of the Police Department.

Presiding over a review meeting of the Police Department, Sukhu said that to ensure better public service, police stations would be categorised based on population, geographical factors, and rural and urban divisions, and appropriate staff strength would be provided for improved efficiency.

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He said that registered police posts would be authorised to register FIRs by integrating the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) into these posts.

The Chief Minister said that the state government would also address the issue of staff shortages by filling the vacant posts. He added that the recruitment process for 1,226 police constables and 30 Sub Inspectors was underway.

“Police reforms were essential for enhancing public services and the state government was also ensuring stringent laws against criminals. An Anti-Drug Act would be formulated to combat drug peddlers in an effective and efficient manner,” the Chief Minister said.

Sukhu said that a data warehouse and clearing agency would also be set up in the Police Department to store and organise data from multiple agencies for analysis and decision-making.

He emphasised the need to adopt cutting-edge technology to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

“The state government is also strengthening the Home Guard, SDRF, and Fire Department for their effective functioning. As many as 700 posts of Home Guards were also being filled, and they have been directed to analyse the additional strength required in the department,” he said.

“The state government will provide adequate funding for the digitisation of 86 designated response centres. Home Guards will be deployed in various Boards and Corporations to maintain law and order,” he said, adding that a Home Guards Battalion Training Centre would be constructed at Markand in Bilaspur district to improve training facilities.

“The state government is committed to strengthening the State Disaster Response Force. The competent authority would be empowered to hire requisite vehicles for the relief and rehabilitation operations during any disaster or emergency,” he said, adding that temporary deployment of Home Guards would be done in SDRF until the permanent staff is recruited in this Force.

He also assured that fire services would be modernised and Rs 19.40 crore would be released as the first instalment for this purpose.

He expressed deep concern over the rising cases of cybercrime in the state, stating that 11,892 complaints were reported in 2024, involving a total amount of Rs 114.94 crore in cyber frauds.

“The Cyber Cell successfully blocked Rs 11.59 crore, accounting for 10.08 per cent of the total frauds,” Sukhu said, underscoring the need to raise awareness about cybercrimes and take stern action against the offenders.

He said that the state government remains steadfast in its resolve to strengthen law enforcement and emergency services while addressing emerging challenges such as cybercrimes and disaster management.