Yogi Adityanath Credits Law and Order Overhaul for UP's Transformation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Friday that Uttar Pradesh has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2017, evolving from a region plagued by riots and curfews into a secure and thriving destination for development. He made these remarks during a ceremony in Lucknow where he flagged off 50 Quick Response Team (QRT) vehicles, emphasizing that law and order has become a pivotal election issue for the first time in India's democratic history, reflecting his government's unwavering commitment to eradicating crime and dismantling mafia networks across the state.
Policing Reforms and Infrastructure Boost
Adityanath asserted that the deployment of QRT vehicles will significantly enhance state security, building on the progress made since 2017. He noted that police efforts have successfully turned Uttar Pradesh from a so-called BIMARU state—often associated with economic backwardness and social unrest—into a key growth engine for India's economy. "The police force has demonstrated that a state once synonymous with disorder and frequent curfews can be rebranded as a 'safe Uttar Pradesh,'" he stated.
Over the past nine years, the government has implemented numerous reforms to bolster policing. The number of police response vehicles (PRVs) has surged from approximately 9,500 in 2017 to more than 15,500 today. Similarly, police motorcycles have increased from around 3,000 to over 9,200. "These are not just numbers. They have helped reduce police response time in emergencies. Quick response builds public trust, which leads to transformation," Adityanath explained.
Budget Increases and Recruitment Milestones
The Chief Minister highlighted substantial financial and infrastructural improvements. Before 2017, the police department's budget was less than Rs 16,000 crore, with much of it remaining unspent due to severe infrastructure deficits and outdated weaponry. "Our government not only provided better residential facilities to security personnel but also upgraded technology and other amenities to make UP Police an extremely effective force," he said.
Recruitment efforts have also seen historic achievements. In 2017, only about 3,000 personnel could be trained at once, but today, 60,244 police constables have been recruited, all undergoing training at Uttar Pradesh's own centers. More than 2.19 lakh police personnel have been hired in total, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the force.
Technological Advancements and Specialized Units
Adityanath pointed to major technological upgrades, including an increase in forensic labs from two to twelve since 2017. A world-class State Forensic Institute, operated by UP Police, now offers degree, diploma, and certificate courses. Additionally, six A-grade forensic labs are under construction in each district, and two mobile forensic units have been deployed per district.
Specialized teams have been established to enhance security, such as the Special Security Force and the State Disaster Response Force. For the first time, a women's battalion has been formed in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), with three battalions already operational.
Commitment to Zero Tolerance
Reaffirming the government's dedication, Adityanath vowed to continue a "zero tolerance" policy towards crime and corruption. "The UP government and the police are fully committed to implementing the policies of zero tolerance and zero corruption and to presenting the state as a safe and prosperous growth engine of India," he concluded, underscoring the ongoing efforts to maintain and build upon the state's newfound reputation for safety and development.
