SHILLONG, July 21: The understaffed Meghalaya Police received a boost on Friday with the appointment of 1,010 people.
Going with the trend elsewhere in the country, a colourful ceremony was organised at SICPAC, Mawkasiang, New Shillong Township to hand over the appointment certificates to the new recruits.
The 1,010 new recruits were selected from a pool of 1.59 lakh applicants. Seven of them completed their engineering (BTech/BE), 28 completed their master’s degrees and one completed BPharm while 26 are from the sports quota.
Of the recruits, 77.83% are male and 22.17% are female.
Young recruits such as Ibapalei Syiemllieh, Ferdinand Chyrmang, Jessica Kharbuki, and Meghna D. Sangma were handed their appointment letters by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state government recognises the significance of a well-staffed and efficient police force in effectively combating crime and maintaining order.
“Therefore, we are undertaking a number of crucial initiatives to strengthen law enforcement in the state, including the appointment of a commissioner in the district and the creation of 2,000 additional posts in the police department,” he said.
In an effort to equip the police force with modern technology and enhance their responsiveness, he said the government has decided to purchase new vehicles for different police stations and outposts.
Sangma said this will include the acquisition of motorcycles to improve quick response during emergencies.
“Additionally, we are in the process of establishing an engineering wing in the police department, with a superintendent of police serving as chairman. This strategic move aims to address various infrastructural demands and will also allocate funds for the maintenance and construction of various police facilities,” he said.
Earlier, DGP Lajja Ram Bishnoi said all the appointees have undergone a rigorous recruitment process and tough competition and have been selected based on their merit and potential from all the 12 districts in the state.
“We are confident that their skills and dedication will greatly contribute to maintaining law and order in our state. As the new members of our law enforcement team, we trust that they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” he said.
Other present on the occasion included Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who handles Home, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang and Additional Chief Secretary P. Shakeel Ahammed.
