In a significant move to foster better relations between the police and the public, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has issued a directive to senior police officials across the state, urging them to enhance community engagement and ensure the prompt redressal of citizen grievances. The Chief Minister stressed that public trust is the cornerstone of effective law enforcement, and every police officer, from the highest ranks to lower positions, must remain deeply connected to the community’s concerns.
The directive highlighted that increased interaction with villagers, youth, and local communities is crucial for addressing pressing issues such as drug abuse and criminal activities. By maintaining open communication channels and actively listening to residents’ problems, police personnel can fulfill their core responsibilities more effectively. Chief Minister Saini advocated for a citizen-centric policing model where swift grievance resolution is a primary focus.
To implement these directives, Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra has dispatched detailed instructions to all senior police officers, including Commissioners, IGs, DCPs, SPs, ACPs, and DSPs. These instructions mandate regular field visits, which will include mandatory overnight stays in villages to deepen engagement with local communities. Furthermore, any complaints related to other government departments are to be promptly forwarded to the respective Deputy Commissioners or authorities for timely resolution.
In line with the standard operating procedures, officers are also required to submit comprehensive night halt reports via the Haryana Human Resources Management System application. To formalize citizen-police interactions, all officers must establish fixed office hours for public meetings. Specifically, they are expected to be available in their offices between 11 am and 12 noon, and again from 3 pm to 4 pm on working days, to address public grievances transparently.
The monitoring mechanism for these initiatives has also been reinforced, with officers required to submit bi-weekly compliance reports to the Home Department. This proactive approach underscores Haryana’s commitment to developing a more responsive and community-oriented policing system, prioritizing citizen welfare, accountability, and enhanced public trust through direct engagement.