Prayagraj: With Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlining the crucial role of the khaki-clad in ensuring security, cleanliness, and effective crowd management along with good training and use of modern technology & polite conduct would be key to making the event successful, mela police are all setto adopt the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava' approach, treating all visitors with respect and offering assistance whenever needed.
Taking up soft skill training for all its personnel assigned Kumbh duties mandatory, Mela police on Sunday claimed to conduct soft skill training of around 5,000 personnel in different phases to leave an everlasting impression on visitors in the upcoming mega religious event. Moreover, mela police are also set to set an example of friendly policing and uphold the dignity of this sacred event as asked by the CM.
The CM said that the state police underwent a significant transformation over the past seven years. They are seen as a scourge for criminals, mafia, and traitors, along with being recognized as a friendly force for devotees, tourists, and common citizens. Cops will be turning into friendly companions with visitors from all corners of Maha Kumbh. SSP (Mela) Rajesh Dwivedi told TOI, "We have focused on soft skill training of all policemen assigned Kumbh duties as mela cops to leave an everlasting impression on visitors." He, however, said, "Cops have also been imparted behaviour and language skills."
CM Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing mela preparations and recalling the success of Kumbh 2019, which attracted 24 crore devotees, praised the Uttar Pradesh Police for their role in maintaining cleanliness, ensuring smooth management, and demonstrating commendable behaviour, which enhanced the state's image globally. Reflecting on the state of the police force before 2017, CM Yogi said that the morale of the police was low, and over 1.5 lakh posts were vacant due to the negligence and bad intentions of the previous govt. Under the double-engine govt, he said, these challenges were addressed effectively.
"Recruitment for 1.54 lakh posts was completed, and stalled promotion processes that were pending for 20 years were expedited. PRV 112 response times were reduced, and training facilities were improved. Today, UP Police has become a model for other states," the CM said.