Noida, Lucknow To Have Commissioner Of Police, Announces CM Yogi Adityanath

In a bid to tackle challenges on crime and law and order front in a better way, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced the introduction of the Police Commissioner system in India's most populated state. The Police Commissioner system has been initially introduced in the state capital Lucknow and state’s upscale metro town NOIDA. The decision has been taken despite stiff opposition from the influential IAS lobby. “The biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our Government today. Our cabinet has approved a proposal to set up police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida,” the Chief Minister Yogi said while briefing media persons about the state cabinet’s decisions at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow on Monday.

The Police Commissioner system gives more powers, including magisterial powers, to IPS officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) rank posted as commissioners. It gives free hand to the police chief to act swiftly and freely, particularly in a law and order situation.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Biggest step towards police reform has been taken by our Govt today. Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved proposal to setup police commissioner system in Lucknow and Noida. pic.twitter.com/7Nig1417O8

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 13, 2020

The CM also announced some steps to curb crime against women int eh state. "Two women officers of Superintendent of Police (SP) & Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) ranks each, are being deployed to curb crimes against women in the new police commissionerates," he announced.

At present, the district police chief or Superintendent of Police (SP), seeks permission from the District Magistrate in most of the decisions related to maintaining law and order. The decision has been taken after a report of the Uttar Pradesh government highlighted the absence of the Police Commissioner as one of the major reasons behind deteriorating law and order conditions. 

Earlier, then UP Governor Ram Naik has suggested the implementation of the Police Commissioner system to maintain law and order. Sources said that Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra and other big towns could also have a Police Commissioner system in the near future.

Earlier on Thursday, Lucknow Senior Superintendent of Police was transferred and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) SSP suspended. No new officers were posted there immediately. Following this, Director General of Police OP Singh had said that the government is discussing the commissioner system for Lucknow and Noida.