GUWAHATI: The first phase of Assam government’s MOITRI (Mission of Overall Improvement of Thana for Responsive Image) scheme is almost nearing completion.
In the first phase which was kicked off in December 2017, 73 police stations were earmarked to be renovated. These are expected to be completed by December 2019, informed a source in the Assam Police Housing Corporation (APHC).
In a meeting held earlier this month, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed progress of works under the MOITRI scheme with senior officials in Guwahati. He directed officials to expedite works for better service delivery and complete the construction of all police stations by December 2019.
In Guwahati, the work of two police stations has been concluded, namely Azara police station and Basistha police station.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday, July 15, inaugurated the newly upgraded Azara police station. It was the first police station to open under the MOITRI scheme in the city. A sum of Rs 2.88 crores was reportedly spent to reconstruct and refurbish the station.
Similarly, Basistha police station is scheduled to be inaugurated on Saturday, July 20.
“The Assam government is keen on bridging the gap between the police and public to strengthen the law and order situation in the state,” said CM Sonowal while addressing the gathering during the inauguration.
Appreciating the role played by the Assam Police in steering a "relentless anti-corruption drive," the chief minister said the force has been successful in winning people's confidence with everyday efforts.
“They (police) must work to sustain the image, maintain a positive attitude and keep their morale high in all circumstances,” the CM insisted, urging the officers to extend all possible support to people during distress.
The MOITRI scheme aims to build an amicable relationship between the public and police. Under the scheme, the state government plans to reconstruct 346 police stations with an investment of Rs 2 crores each, within a period of five years.
The main motive of the scheme is to convert and remodel all the police stations in such a way that distance between the common people and the police force is abridged.
The governing body of MOITRI is headed by the chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal and holds a meeting every year to take major decisions and review the works. The executive body is headed by director general of police Kuladhar Saikia that holds a meeting every month to discuss various issues. But the day-to-day activities are taken up by the Assam Police Housing Corporation (APHC) which is the implementing agency of project MOITRI.