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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Transformation of UP Police rooted in tech, compassion'
1 2 Summing up the transformation of the police in Uttar Pradesh, former director general of police OP Singh said that with a change in mindset, technology became the cornerstone of policing. Speaking at a session during TOI Dialogues, Singh recalled the situation and said that when he took charge in 2017-18, Uttar Pradesh was grappling with high crime rate, organised crime and elements of criminality. "It's erroneous to think we only went for encounters. We brought in a mindset change. Technology became the cornerstone of policing," he said. From drones, CCTVs and UP112 emergency response system — ranked third globally in Dubai in 2019 — to artificial intelligence-enabled tools, predictive policing, and citizen-centric platforms like UPCOP offering 29 contactless services, Singh spoke about a slew of measures aimed at enhancing investigative capabilities. Partnerships with IIT-Kanpur, IIM-Ahmedabad, IIM-Indore and ISRO helped build in-house technical expertise, he said. Singh also cited major budget boosts, with the state police budget jumping from Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 24,500 crore in 2019-20, enabling massive training drives and infrastructure expansion. "Modernisation comes only through technology — in weapons, forensic science, cybercrime units and ATS operations. Equally important is compassion in policing," he said, recalling how humane, unarmed policing ensured the smooth conduct of Kumbh Mela. Addressing concerns that technology could erode human contact, Singh emphasised balancing "hardware" — weapons, rules, enforcement — with "software" — empathy, openness and public trust. "A good leader must combine both at the ground level," he said, noting that daily call volume has risen from 18,000 in 2019 to 30,000 in 2023, aided by data analytics for predictive policing. Arya, who has lived in Noida since 1999, said policing in the city has improved "dramatically" — both in response time and citizen interaction. "The biggest change is that criminals are now afraid of the police, not citizens," he said, adding that while challenges remain, high-handedness has reduced and citizens' complaints are increasingly being heard. Looking ahead, Singh said the force must aim for "inclusive policing" with equitable access to justice, especially for women and the poor. "Smartness is not just a uniform — it's in ideas, mindset and action," he said, aligning with the PM's vision of a competent, sensitive, accountable and transparent police. Retired Major Gaurav Arya called for increased budgets to match the scale of UP's challenges, comparing its population to that of the fifth-largest country in the world. "More funds are needed for training, technology, morale building, and better housing for constables," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
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Business Standard
26-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Labour ministry asks TCS to meet CLC next week to discuss onboarding delay
The labour and employment ministry has asked Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to attend a meeting with the chief labour commissioner (CLC) in New Delhi next week to discuss the delay in onboarding of more than 600 experienced professionals in the company. According to the letter sent by the ministry addressing the chairman and managing director of TCS, the meeting will be held on August 1. The move comes days after Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) sent a letter to the ministry saying that TCS delayed onboarding, even though commitments were made by the company through offer letters and formal communication. "You are, therefore, requested to please attend the discussion either personally or through an authorised representative not below the rank of head of the department, who should be well conversed with the matter and take decision. Written submission, if any in this regard, may be submitted in advance to this office," according to the letter, signed by regional labour commissioner OP Singh, and seen by Business Standard. An email sent to TCS regarding the matter did not elicit a response till the time of publishing the story. NITES had requested the ministry to intervene and ensure that TCS provides an official and time-bound commitment regarding the onboarding of the affected lateral hires, offer compensation for the duration during which onboarding has been delayed, and explore alternate suitable positions for these professionals within the organisation. It also demanded that TCS provide the affected people with its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support those people's mental health. TCS has a workforce of about 613,000 people as of June 30. The letter from NITES said that many of these people, with experience ranging from two to 18 years, have relocated or made substantial personal and financial arrangements in anticipation of joining TCS. "Unfortunately, upon reporting to the company on their designated joining dates, they were informed of an indefinite delay in onboarding. No official communication, revised schedule, or assurance has been provided since,' it said.
Hindustan Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Drug awareness drive in Haryana goes digital with podcast series
: In a yet another digitally driven innovative move, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) has started a podcast series to create awareness about drugs and mobilise public opinion to combat this menace. The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB DGP OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. (HT Photo) The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB director general (DG) OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. In its latest episode, the HSNCB chief sat down with two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) Jagbir Singh and Satyender to discuss some of the biggest challenges the anti-narcotics drive is facing in Haryana. The next edition of the podcast will feature officers working on rehabilitation and de-addiction initiatives, continuing the Bureau's effort to present a 360-degree view of its anti-drug mission. 'This podcast is a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort,' OP Singh said. The conversation with DSPs in two different episodes touched on the growing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs as cheaper alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complexities involved in tackling inter-state drug trafficking networks. The conversation offers listeners an insight into the operational realities of drug enforcement like the patterns, tactics, and human costs. PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG ABUSE ON RISE The one portion of the podcast zeroed in on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based cough syrups. These medications--legal when prescribed-- are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium, said Singh. According to the DSP heading the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing, peddlers are exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. 'These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar,' he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. The DGP underlined the need for tighter surveillance over medical supply chains, routine pharmacy audits, and public awareness about the hidden dangers of so-called 'milder' drugs. 'The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating,' he said, adding that Haryana has seen a record number of arrests of inter-state smugglers in the past year. WHY A PODCAST, AND WHY NOW? According to Singh, there is no better way to gain public confidence than to speak directly, truthfully, and transparently. 'These podcasts allow people to hear from those who are not just in uniform, but in the thick of action,' he said, pointing out that this medium also serves as a morale booster for field operatives, whose painstaking efforts often go unnoticed. 'What they say is not filtered through headlines, agendas, or studio debates . It is the truth from ground zero. HSNCB podcast is helping demystify policing, build trust, and foster community participation in the fight against drugs.' The decision to start awareness via the podcast comes close on the heels of Haryana recording a 29% rise in serious drug-related cases registered between January and June this year under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police registered 1,858 first information reports (FIRs), up from 1,657 during the same period in 2024. Till June in 2025, Haryana Police registered 233 commercial quantity cases against 166 last year, showing a nearly 29% jump, as per official data.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
In a 1st, Haryana top cop launches podcast to discuss state's war on drugs
Chandigarh: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Director General of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), OP Singh, on Sunday launched a podcast series aimed at bringing citizens closer to the frontline of the state's battle against drugs. The podcast, led personally by the DGP, is envisioned as a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort. The DGP hosted two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) from HSNCB, engaging them in an insightful conversation on two of the most pressing challenges confronting the anti-drug drive in Haryana — the rising misuse of pharmaceutical drugs as affordable alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complex network of inter-state drug trafficking. Through this candid and deeply informed dialogue, the DGP offered listeners a rare glimpse into the operational realities of drug enforcement — the patterns, tactics, and human costs that rarely make it into conventional news reports. One segment of the podcast focused on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based syrups — substances that are legal under medical supervision but are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium. The DSP in charge of the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing explained how peddlers have begun exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. "These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar," he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. "The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating," he said. The second half of the podcast turned the spotlight on inter-state drug trafficking — a key concern for Haryana given its strategic location. The DGP spoke with a DSP who was instrumental in tracking and intercepting smuggling routes from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The officer narrated several operations in which large consignments of commercial quantity narcotics were seized based on actionable intelligence, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination. "Inter-state trafficking is no longer just about physical movement," the officer explained. "It's a sophisticated web involving digital payments, SIM box frauds, and fake identities. We're constantly evolving to stay ahead." MSID: 122798068 413 |
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘To the people: we're with you; to criminals: you will be found': Haryana DGP O P Singh
On Thursday evening, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a meeting of the police's top brass that went on beyond midnight. Instructions were clear: 'Enforce law and order, nail the offenders, and ensure a higher conviction rate'. In the wake of the CM's post-midnight crime review meeting, senior IPS officer DGP O P Singh, who heads the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau in a conversation with The Indian Express, Singh unpacks the paradox of figures that show a falling crime rate, yet fragile trust, the state's aggressive push against drugs, and the behind-the-scenes work in forensics and housing reforms. DGP Singh is also the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Managing Director of Haryana Police Housing Corporation. DGP O P Singh: That's the central issue the Chief Minister has flagged, and rightly so. Our figures show a steady drop in serious crimes, faster detection, and high arrest rates. But public confidence still lags. We need to explain our work better, show people how we crack cases quickly, file charge sheets, and push for convictions. It's not just about catching criminals, it's about making people feel that justice is real, fast, and visible. DGP Singh: Absolutely. We must go beyond enforcement. People need to understand how the system works, from the stage of complaint to the last stage of conviction. The police are doing their part; prosecution and courts also need to move swiftly so justice becomes a deterrent. Trust builds when people see that the system works without delay. DGP Singh: We've gone all-in. In the first half of 2025, commercial quantity NDPS cases rose by nearly 29 per cent, heroin seizures tripled, and inter-state arrests jumped over 34 per cent. This isn't a seasonal push. It is a sustained, coordinated offensive. Our teams are targeting supply chains, not just street dealers. It is yielding results, and we're not letting up. DGP Singh: A huge one. Peer pressure, thrill-seeking, and escape often lead youth to drugs. We're stopping supply, but families need to spot the signs early. Parents must stay engaged and informed. Schools and communities have to act as protective buffers. It's not a law enforcement problem alone. It is a shared social responsibility. DGP Singh: We've scaled up significantly. With the new criminal code mandating forensic input in serious crimes, we've expanded our DNA and NDPS divisions. NDPS cases are now processed within 2 to 4 weeks — critical for swift trials. We're also focusing on synthetic drugs, identifying trends, and sharing alerts with field units. Cyber and digital forensics have been reinforced too. FSL is no longer just a lab — it's a frontline support agency. DGP Singh: We've adopted a design thinking approach. We've mapped short-and long-term pain points — inadequate ventilation, cramped kitchens, safety issues, lack of recreational space. We are now building for dignity and utility: modular layouts, family-friendly spaces, smart surveillance, and better community areas. Good housing boosts morale — and better morale makes for sharper policing. DGP Singh: Trust. Whether we're chasing drug cartels, processing forensic evidence, or building homes for officers — the end goal is the same: public trust in institutions, and internal trust within the system. That's how we make Haryana safer, more responsive, and truly future-ready. DGP Singh: To the people: we are with you, always. To the criminals: you will be found. Haryana has changed — we are faster, smarter, and more determined than ever.
