Yogi Adityanath highlights 'paradigm shift' in UP Police recruitment

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the impartiality with which police recruitment is conducted now was a distant dream nine years ago, alleging discrimination and irregularities in the recruitment process by the previous government.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the impartiality with which police recruitment is conducted now was a distant dream nine years ago, alleging discrimination and irregularities in the recruitment process by the previous government. Addressing an event where appointment letters were distributed to candidates selected as head operators in the Uttar Pradesh Police Telecommunications Department, at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan here, Adityanath emphasised that fair recruitment was now the norm, conducted solely based on merit, capability, and adherence to reservation provisions, according to an official statement. ''An environment has been fostered in the state where, if you possess the capability, no one can stop you from moving forward,'' he said. ''The impartiality with which police recruitment is conducted now would not have been possible nine years ago. Previously, the process itself was not conducted smoothly. There was discrimination in appointments. However, now, throughout the entire process, no one needs recommendations or money,'' he said, in a veiled jibe at the previous dispensation. Adityanath said a passing-out parade for 60,000 police constables was held across 112 centres in the state on Sunday. ''This means that 60,000 constables simultaneously became part of Uttar Pradesh Police and will now perform their duties in the field. Over the last nine years, recruitment of more than 2,20,000 personnel has been completed within Uttar Pradesh Police -- a figure that exceeds the total strength of the police forces in many other states,'' he asserted. ''Prior to 2017, it was possible to train only 3,000 police personnel at a time. However, in 2025, as many as 60,244 police constables were trained simultaneously across centres in Uttar Pradesh. Through this achievement, Uttar Pradesh Police has demonstrated that if one possesses clear intent, a well-defined policy, and a firm resolve to act, positive results are certain,'' he added. The chief minister said the 'double-engine' government has created an environment where recruitments are conducted in a fair and honest manner. He said, now the police are not only maintaining law and order and making the state free from mafia and riots, but also contributing to India's economic growth. ''The rule of law is the primary need of development. With the establishment of rule of law, investors from across the country and the world are coming to Uttar Pradesh,'' he asserted. Addressing the 936 new recruits, Adityanath said their induction would help further strengthen the communication unit. ''Now, you must discharge your duties toward the nation by serving the Uttar Pradesh Police with pure intentions, honesty, and transparency. The vision of a Viksit Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be realised only when every Indian citizen honestly fulfills their duties within their respective spheres. The arrogance of an individual, caste, or religious sect or desire for personal gains can never take precedence over the nation,'' he said. He emphasised that their training over the next eight months would be crucial, urging them to stay physically fit, asserting that it will also ensure mental fortitude. ''Only then will you be able to serve the nation and society with integrity,'' he said. The chief minister said communication constitutes a vital component of any force and serves as a robust pillar of the administrative system; the stronger this communication infrastructure is, the more empowered the force becomes. ''The telecommunications wing of Uttar Pradesh Police has moved beyond the confines of standard walkie-talkies to achieve new milestones in technological advancement. During your eight-month training period, you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourselves with these systems, acquire necessary skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role the communications wing in the era of modern, smart policing. Following your training, you will play a crucial role in effectively implementing these capabilities in the field,'' he said. A short film based on the police telecommunications department was also screened during the event. The chief minister also said Uttar Pradesh is the first state to have inducted over 500 skilled athletes into the police force. Consequently, whenever sports meets are held at national or international levels, Uttar Pradesh Police consistently secures a higher number of medals. Through these achievements, the force has effectively demonstrated its capabilities, he highlighted. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, Director General (DG) of Police Rajeev Krishna, DG (Telecom) Ashutosh Pandey, Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board S B Shirodkar, Additional DG (Headquarters) Sanjeev Gupta and others, the statement said.