Conclave hosted by Assam Police aims at building a more public-friendly police force in Assam
GUWAHATI: The Assam Police hosted the inaugural State-Level Conclave of Nagarik Committees on Saturday, September 7, bringing together representatives from all 307 police stations across the state. The event, held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra International Auditorium in Panjabari, Guwahati, saw active participation from the officers-in-charge (OCs) of the respective police stations and the members of the Nagarik Committees
ALSO READ: Chief Of Air Staff Stresses On Operational Readiness At EAC Commanders' Meet In Shillong
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event as the Chief Guest, engaging in an interactive session with the assembled Nagarik Committees. In his address, Sarma emphasised the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for the public, positioning the Nagarik Committees as a vital bridge between the police and the community.
“The prime motive of the police authorities and Nagarik Committees is to provide a welcoming environment for the public. It is a sort of bridge between the police and the public,” Sarma stated, underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening police-community relations.
To ensure regular interaction, Sarma announced that four meetings between the police and the Nagarik Committees will be held annually at schools or colleges near the respective police stations. Members representing non-governmental bodies will receive an honorarium of ₹250 per meeting. A total of ₹2,000 will be allocated by the Superintendent of Police for each meeting, which will include provisions for tea and snacks. The first meeting is scheduled for 2nd October.
However, Sarma made it clear that the committees are not to interfere in criminal proceedings or investigations. Instead, their focus will be on essential public matters, including passport documentation, and the safety of women and children. The committees will also be responsible for raising awareness on issues such as human trafficking, drug abuse, witch-hunting, domestic violence, child marriage, and cybercrime, among others.
The structure of the Nagarik Committees at the police station level was also outlined. Each committee will be chaired by a person of social repute, with the OC of the police station acting as the Member-Secretary. Invited members will include the local MLA, while other members will be drawn from various governmental and non-governmental bodies to form a 12-member body. For any formal meeting there should be at least 6 members present.
In his concluding remarks, Sarma urged the police to be approachable and just in their dealings with the public. “Police should not be rude to the citizens but rather be strict in providing justice. That will help to solve major problems of society and Assam,” he said.
This initiative is seen as a significant step towards building a more public-friendly police force in Assam, with the Nagarik Committees playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.
