Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set an ambitious target of making Chandigarh India’s first drug-free city, calling on the police to prioritise action against narcotics to protect young people. Addressing Chandigarh Police’s 60th Raising Day celebrations on Sunday, Shah also announced 2,152 artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and the induction of 141 vehicles to improve security and emergency response.

Shah said the goal of building a developed India could not be achieved without protecting the younger generation from drug abuse. He urged the force to intensify its efforts against the narcotics trade and make the Union Territory a model for the country.

“Now that we have resolved to build a drug-free India, Chandigarh will be the first city in the country to become drug-free,” he said.

“We can move towards a Viksit Bharat only by freeing the younger generation from the menace of drugs,” he added.

During the event, Shah presented the President’s Colour to Chandigarh Police in recognition of its 60 years of service. The force, which has approximately 6,000 personnel, was established in 1966 and has since played a role in maintaining law and order and protecting national security.

Chandigarh Police records 85% conviction rate

Shah highlighted the force’s performance under the three new criminal laws, citing its conviction rate and the pace at which cases were being processed.

Between August 4, 2024, and Sunday, Chandigarh Police registered 8,206 FIRs and filed online chargesheets in 7,590 cases, he said, describing the figures as a national record.

The force has achieved an 85 per cent conviction rate, which Shah said could serve as a benchmark for police departments across the country.

“I believe this serves as an ideal for the country and all its police units that if we implement the new judicial codes effectively, we can ensure punishment for 85 per cent of criminals. Chandigarh has proven this by doing it,” he said.

Comparing the current process with the delays associated with the previous legal framework, Shah referred to the familiar expression “tareekh pe tareekh”, often used to describe cases repeatedly adjourned over long periods.

He said Chandigarh’s reported conviction rate was accompanied by an average punishment timeline of 140 days, allowing cases to move through the judicial process in less than six months.

AI cameras and new vehicles to boost security

The Centre’s planned provision of 2,152 AI-enabled cameras is intended to strengthen surveillance and improve public safety across Chandigarh.

“With this, Chandigarh will become even safer, and we will be able to firmly ensure the safety of the citizens,” Shah said.

The police force is also adding 141 vehicles to improve patrolling, mobility and its ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

Shah said Chandigarh Police ranked second nationally in response time and expressed confidence that the new vehicles would help it move to the top position. He cited a four-minute response time for the police and 10 minutes for the Quick Response Team.

The announcements form part of efforts to improve the force’s operational capacity alongside its use of technology and faster response mechanisms.

Shah praises citizen services and traffic management

Shah said effective policing extended beyond crime prevention to making routine services easier for residents to access. He noted that Chandigarh residents could obtain services such as passport verification, police clearance certificates and employment-related no-objection certificates without having to visit a police station.

He also praised the city’s traffic management, despite its high vehicle density.

“Before and after becoming the Union home minister, I have visited Chandigarh several times, with and without official protocol, but I have never witnessed a traffic jam here,” he said.

The Home Minister also recalled Chandigarh Police’s contribution during the years of terrorism, commending personnel for their courage in protecting the city and supporting national security.

Paying tribute to officers and personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, Shah said their sacrifices remained a source of pride for the force.

The anniversary event combined recognition of the police’s six-decade record with a renewed focus on tackling drug abuse, improving conviction outcomes and using technology to strengthen public safety.