Is it best time to invest in Pharma and Medical device sector in India ?

Union minister For Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda claimed that it is the Best time to invest in Pharma & Medical device sector in India--which he says is likely to grow into 120 billion-dollar industry by 2030

He said that Pharma industry Should focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines.

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The Minister said the Pharma sector is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024  and to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and  Medical Devices industry to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

He said business-friendly reforms carried out by Government have helped India to emerge as one of the best investment destinations among emerging economies. Implementation of policies to promote financial inclusion and to check corruption and easing of compliance of labour laws & regulations has made India the best destination for investment.  In 2018-19, India attracted FDI inflows of 73 billion dollars, up 18 % from the previous year. Especially mentioning the pharma and medical device sector. He said pharma this is the most opportune time to invest in this sector in India as pharma sector It is likely to grow into the 65-billion-dollar industry by 2024 to 120 billion dollars by 2030 and medical device sector has the potential to grow at 28% per annum to reach the US $ 50 Billion by 2025.

Union minister said Indian pharma and medical device sector have immense potential to contribute towards making India a 5 trillion-dollar economy in next 4-5 year. In this backdrop, the Indian Government is supporting the development of three Bulk Drug and four Medical Device Parks with State of Art Infrastructure and world-class Centres of Excellence across the country. The government will also provide Production Linked Incentives (PLI) to eligible new manufacturing units to ensure level playing field to domestic manufacturers. 

Highlighting the contribution of pharma industry during this testing time of COVID-19 crisis he said that Indian pharma and medical devices industry was able to rise to the occasion. The crisis is being turned into opportunities by supporting the development of mega bulk drug and medical device park through a mix of right policies. Prime Minister is himself has been personally involved in this, right from the initial stage of conception. It is expected that these schemes of the Union Government for development of bulk drug & medical device park will attract cumulative investment of Rs 78000 crore and can generate about 2.5 lakh employment.  

He said it is a matter of great pride for millions of Indians that from being a net importer, India became the second-largest producer of PPE Kits in the world with daily production capacity surpassing more than 5 lakh per day.  Similarly, within a very short span of time, the indigenous production capacity of ventilators has increased to 3 lakh per annum. We have also achieved self-sufficiency in the production of  N-95 masks

Shri Gowda said that there is need for the pharma industry to focus on R & D activities in order to remain as one of the leading global suppliers of medicines. The full potential of growth cannot be fully tapped unless we come up with the discovery of a new drug or repurposing in India. He expressed hope that the Indian pharma sector will be among the first one to develop and supply low-cost vaccines for COVID-19.

He appreciated the efforts of CII Life Sciences conclave for providing the necessary platform for stakeholders across the world to converge and embed their ideas to help usher in a new era of competitiveness of the Indian pharma segment in the post-COVID-19 world. 

Ends

The longest 9.02 km long highway tunnel between Manali to Lahaul-Spiti becomes functional. Would prove a game changer to protect Indo-Pak-China borders

Atal Tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the World built at above 10,000 feet. The 9.02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The tunnel reduces the road distance by 46 Kms between Manali and Leh and the time by about 4 to 5 hours.

 

The South Portal (SP) of Atal Tunnel is located at a distance of 25 Km from Manali at an altitude of 3060 Mtrs, while the North Portal (NP) of the tunnel is located near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3071 Mtrs.

It is horse shoe shaped, single tube double lane tunnel with a roadway of 8 Mtrs. It has an overhead clearance of 5.525 Mtrs.

It is 10.5-metre wide and has a 3.6 x 2.25 Mtrs fire proof emergency egress tunnel built into the main tunnel itself.

Atal Tunnel has been designed for traffic density of 3000 cars per day and 1500 trucks per day with max speed of 80 km/hr.

It has the state of the art electromechanical system including semi transverse ventilation system, SCADA controlled firefighting, illumination and monitoring system.  

 

The Tunnel has ample safety features built into it. Some of the key safety features are

(a) Tunnel entry barriers at both portals.

(b) Telephone connections at every 150 Mtrs for emergency communication.

(c) Fire hydrant mechanisms at every 60 Mtrs.

(d) Auto incident detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 Mtrs.

(e) Air quality monitoring at every 1 Km.

(f) Evacuation lighting / exit signs at every 25 Mtrs.

(g) Broadcasting system throughout the tunnel.

(h) Fire rated Dampers at every 50 Mtrs.

(i)  Cameras at every 60 Mtrs.

The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 03, 2000 when late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone for the Access Road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on May 26, 2002.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. The breakthrough from both ends was achieved on October 15, 2017.

The Union Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th December 2019 and decided to name the Rohtang Tunnel as Atal Tunnel to honour the contribution made by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After attending the inauguration function of the Atal Tunnel at South Portal, Manali, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be participating in public functions at Sissu in Lahaul Spiti and at Solang Valley. 

In the time of Covid-19, Monsoon brings cheers in the Agriculture sector, rainfall was third highest since 1994

 

Some Salient Features of Monsoon 2020

The all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019

Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall

Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days.

The cool ENSO neutral conditions observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean in the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD

Posted On: 01 OCT 2020

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the following information on India Monsoon 2020:

Ø Quantitatively, 2020 All India monsoon seasonal rainfall during 1 June to 30 September 2020 has been 95.8 cm against the long period average of 88.0 cm based on data of 1961-2010 (109% of its Long Period Average (LPA)).

Ø Considering the recent years since 1990, the all India seasonal rainfall this year was third-highest, after 112% of LPA in 1994 and 110% of LPA in 2019.

Ø Thus 2019 & 2020 are the two consecutive years with above-normal monsoon rainfall, after 1958 (110% of LPA) and 1959 (114% of LPA ) (Fig.1).

Ø Considering four broad homogenous regions of India, the monsoon seasonal rainfall during 2020 has been 106%, 84%, 115% & 129% of LPA respectively over East and North-East(NE), North- West(NW), Central and South India. Therefore, seasonal rainfall has been excess over Central and South India, normal over East and NE India and deficient over NW India. Monthly and seasonal total rainfall over different broad homogeneous regions and all India are given in Fig. 2.

Ø Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, 2 subdivisions received large excess, 13 received excess and 16 subdivisions received normal monsoon rainfall during 2020 while only 5 subdivisions received deficient rainfall (Fig. 3). These 5 Met subdivisions which got deficient rains are Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura (- 32%), West Uttar Pradesh (-37%), Uttarakhand (-20%), Himachal Pradesh        (- 26%), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (-34%) (Fig. 3).

Ø Considering month to month rainfall variation over India as a whole, the season is very uniquely placed in the historical record for its distinct and contrasting month to month variation. The rainfall over the country as a whole was 118%, 90%, 127% and 104% of LPA during June, July, August and September respectively (Fig 2).

The spatial distribution of monthly rainfall over different Met- Subdivisions is shown in Fig 4.

Ø The week to week progress of monsoon rainfall over the country as a whole and cumulative rainfall in percentage departure is shown in Fig. 5

Ø It was a good beginning for the season in terms of rainfall with formation and movement of the cyclone Nisarga, over the Arabian Sea. It helped the monsoon to advance into main-land along the west coast. Subsequent features favoured timely advance and monsoon covered entire country by 26th 2 June against the normal date of 8th July (about 12 days ahead of normal date). The country as a whole experienced excess rainfall (118% of LPA) during June.

Ø In July, many unfavourable features of monsoon appeared resulting in deficient rainfall for the country (90% of LPA). The weak monsoon in July was mainly due to the absence of any major monsoon disturbance over the Bay of Bengal. Absence of such major systems in July (Table 1) also caused the monsoon trough weak. The monsoon trough lay to the north of the normal position or closed to the foothills of the Himalayas on many days. It resulted in frequent and prolonged floods over northeastern India, Bihar and adjoining areas of east Uttar Pradesh.

At the same time, major parts of central and northwest India received deficient rainfall.

Ø During August, there was back to back-formation of low-pressure systems over the north Bay of Bengal and their movement towards Gujarat and south Rajasthan (Table 1). Monsoon trough was mostly south of the normal position and remained active. The Arabian Sea was very active with stronger winds reaching up to 50-60kmph in lower levels during a few days in the month. Five low-pressure systems formed during 4-10, 9-11, 13-18, 19-26 and 24-31 August 2020 which caused higher than normal rainfall over the central and western part of India. The total number of low-pressure days was 28 against normal of about 17(Table 1). It caused 2-3 spells of riverine floods over Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, south Gujarat and south Rajasthan. It was a record rainfall in August 2020, when all India rainfall was 127% of LPA. It has been the record highest in last 44- years, after August 1976 (128.4% of LPA). It is also fourth-highest in the last 120 years. The highest ever percentage departure for the month of August during 1901-2020 had been 33% above LPA during 1926. The all India rainfall in percentage departure from LPA for the month of the August during 1901-2020 is shown in Fig.6.

Ø During August 2020, consecutively for 4 weeks, India got excess rain with 13% to 41% above LPA during the week ending 12 Aug to week ending 2 Sept 2020. Similarly, the most deficient monsoon conditions prevailed in the second fortnight of July.

Ø Month-wise locations of Very Heavy Rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) and Extremely Heavy Rainfall (more than 204.4 mm) reported stations for June to Sept 2020 given in Fig 7.

Ø Monsoon in 2020 withdrew from western parts of northwest India on 28th Sept. 2020 against the normal date of 17th Sept 2020 with a delay of around 11-days. Withdrawal has been delayed mainly due to active monsoon trough in association with the formation of 2 low-pressure systems in Sept 2020.

Ø As on 01st October, southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Punjab, western Himalayan region,

Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and many parts for Rajasthan and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The withdrawal line of the Southwest Monsoon passes through Lat. 29°N/ Long.81°E, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjhanpur, Alwar, Nagaur and Lat. 26°N/ Long.70°E.

Verification of Long Range Forecast:

Ø The forecast for the date of monsoon Onset Over Kerala issued on 15th May 2020 was 5th June with a model error of ±4 days. The actual monsoon onset over Kerala was on 1st June and therefore the forecast was correct.

Ø The first stage forecast for the season (June-September) rainfall over the country as a whole issued in April was 100% of LPA with a model error of ± 5% of LPA. The forecast was upgraded to 102% of LPA with a model error of ± 4% of LPA in the updated forecast issued in May. IMD also predicted a probability of 65% of monsoon rainfall to be normal to above normal. However, the actual seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole was 109% of LPA, which is more than the predicted value.

Ø Considering the four broad geographical regions of India, the forecasts issued in May for the season 3 rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula were 107%, 103%, 96% & 102% of the LPA respectively all with model errors of ± 8%. The actual rainfall over Northwest India, Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula was 84%, 115%, 107% and 129% of the LPA respectively. Thus, the forecasts of season rainfall over the Central India, Northeast India and South Peninsula regions were underestimated to the actual rainfall, while the forecast for Northwest India was an overestimate. The forecast for the second half of the monsoon season (August – September) for the country as a whole was 104% with a model error of 8% of LPA against the actual rainfall of 118% of LPA.

Ø This year, IMD had predicted the possibility of the development of weak La Nina conditions in the second half of the season in its forecasts issued in April and May. The cool ENSO neutral conditions

observed over the equatorial Pacific Ocean at the beginning of the year turned in to weak La Niña conditions by the end of August 2020 as predicted by IMD.

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening, Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools, Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

 

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening

Gives flexibility to States UTs for opening of schools

Opens up more activities outside Containment Zones

Strict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones till 31st October 2020

Posted On: 30 SEP 2020 7:56PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines today, for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. In these guidelines, which will come into effect from October 1, 2020, the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments. 

Salient features of the new guidelines

Activities permitted from 15th October 2020, in areas outside the Containment Zones

• Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, for which, SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.
• Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open, for which the standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S). 
• Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open, for which the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Opening of Schools, colleges, education institutions and coaching institutions

• For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020, in a graded manner.  The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation, and subject to the following conditions:

• Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
• Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.
• Students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents.
• Attendance must not be enforced, and must depend entirely on parental consent.
• States /UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP to be issued by Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.
• Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by Education Departments of States/ UTs.

• Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges/ Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), based on the assessment of the situation. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

• However, Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works will be permitted to open from 15th October, 2020, as under:
  1. For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
  2. For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.

Regulation of gatherings

• Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only.  Now State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones, after 15th October 2020, which will be subject to the following conditions:

• In closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
• In open spaces, keeping the size of the ground/ space in view, and with strict observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.

To ensure that such gatherings do not spread COVID-19, State/ UT Governments will issue detailed SOPs to regulate such gathering, and strictly enforce the same.

• All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones: 
  1. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
• Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31st October, 2020.
• Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District authorities at micro level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
• Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed. 
• These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective District Collectors and by the States/ UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW.

States not to impose any local lockdown outside Containment Zones

• State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City/ village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.

No restriction on Inter-State and intra-State movement

• There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.

National Directives for COVID-19 management

• National Directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing.  Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives.

Protection for vulnerable persons

• Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.

It was like free for all in Delhi during North East riots, Neeraj Kumar, former Delhi Police Commissioner

Policing is a very difficult job in India, it has to face political pressure, social pressure, and bears a stigma of colonial-era where it was considered as an oppressor. Neeraj Kumar, one of the best IPS officer we ever had, opened up on policing problems in India, whether it was policing failure during Delhi Riots, or negligence in handling Sushant death case... excerpts, it appeared in the statesman perspective page.

 

Neeraj Kumar, the former Delhi Police Commissioner, is probably the only Police Officer who has done an in-depth study on primitive erstwhile Criminal Tribe and at the same time exposed the working of Mumbai underworld gangs. During his posting in CBI, he unearthed UTI scam and exposed various terror groups working in India. 1976 batch UT cadre IPS officer, Neeraj Kumar retired as Delhi Police Commissioner on July 2013 and spent 37 tears in country’s elite police force and served in Delhi, Arunanchal, Mizoram, Goa and CBI. Most of his service tenure was in CBI where he probed Mumbai bomb Blasts, UTI scam, and neutralized several terror outfits.

When he was heading Goa Police he launched a sustained campaign against illegal immigrants, drug mafia and the Russian mafia indulging in land grabbing, and human trafficking. Here he also arrested Tariq Ahmed Batlo, a Pakistan trained Kashmiri terrorist, who was planning Bali (Indonesia) like the bombing in Goa

His book ‘Dial D for Don’ published in 2015 was a runaway hit in which he recounted the stories of eleven police operations that he conducted in the CBI. He has also written a book on Pardi gangs, a unique book written on how the erstwhile criminal Pardi tribe commits crime. Neeraj Kumar represented India at the UN Convention on Trans-national Organized Crime in Viena, Austria. He also represented India at Vienna during deliberations of United Nations Manual on Kidnapping & Extortion, 2014. He was handpicked to be the Conference Secretary when the World Interpol Conference took place in New Delhi in October 2007. He spoke to Vijay Thakur, Special Representative, the Statesman, on the role of Police in the present scenario. Excerpts.

 

Question:

Despite efforts to modernize police, Indian police hardly stand anywhere when compared to Police of the Western world. Here police at ground zero are overburdened, stressed and ill-equipped. Where do we lack?

Answer

Over the year police have changed a lot. It is more qualified and tech-savvy now.  These days police officers investigate in a more professional way. Yet it needs to change its mindset. Most of the police force still has a colonial mindset and consider the public as their subject. A Police Officer must remember he is not here to rule but to maintain rule of law.

Secondly, our Public Relation Department is very poor and unprofessional. And this changes the public perception about the police.  I give you an example, nearly a decade ago I went to Scotland, whose police force is considered to be one of the best in the world. It has one-tenth of Delhi Police strength.

I was shocked to see that there were 67 public relation professionals working round the clock for Scotland yard police. They were not from police but professionals who have worked in various media organizations. They keep analyzing the public perception, keep them updated of police achievements. And the result is there. Forget, how they work, they have a very good image and people like them.

Indian Police have to change their communication skills and mindset. Police officers must remember it is people’s police and is answerable to them, and Police PR department must make a bridge between people and police to change people’s perception.

Question

But changing mindset alone would not help, the force is still ill-equipped and have a corrupt image.

Answer

The are many reasons for corruption. You are right the police force is ill-equipped. Government is not meeting its minimum investigation requirement. I give you an example, if a Sub Inspector finds an unclaimed dead body in his area, it might try to throw it out of its jurisdiction, This is because the is not paid sufficient money for disposing it off. Once a body is found, it is the responsibility of the Investigating Officer to get the post mortem done, and perform its last rights. Unfortunately, most of the money he spends goes from his pocket or have to find 'other sources of income'.

Another example I would give is of a stolen vehicle in Delhi but recovered in Nagaland. No one wants to know how brings it back and how much he spends and paid for transportation. Similarly, while conducting investigations he has to spend money from his pocket to get information etcs, from where he would recover the money. The list of such problem is long and everyone knows it. Tell me, how an honest police officer pays these expenses, Answer is obvious. It is very easy you call a police officer corrupt, first, put yourself in his position and then decide.

 

Question

What immediate reform you suggest in Police to make it humane and efficient.

Answer

Well, the list is long. However, I would recommend two immediate changes which do not need even a single rupee. And trust me it would word and improve police image. First do not assess a police officer on the basis of crime figure in his area. If we do that it put pressure on police officers to keep crime figure under check, he would manipulate the figure, under-report it or will not report it at all. Let all crimes be reported and registered. Assess a police officer on how he handles law and order and investigate crimes, and now on the basis of reporting of crimes. Trust me half of the problem would be most. Most of the complaint against police is against non-reporting of crimes. People’s perception would automatically change against police.

Second reform which is required all over the country is that one should not fight over jurisdiction. Where ever a case is reported, it may be registered and send to the police station concerned after the preliminary process. You Know If today Asaram Bapu is in Jail it is because of this only. The victim girl, who was raped by him reported the matter to her father in UP, he registered the zero FIR in Kamala Market police station in New Delhi area. They did the medical and sent her to Jodhpur where the crime took place. Now had the victim gone straight to Jodhpur, her case would have never been registered because of his influence forget conviction. But once the FIR was registered in Delhi, local police had no option but to investigate and arrest the accused.

 

Question

Delhi Police earned a bad name in the Delhi riots. How do you see it?

Answer

When we analyse the Delhi riots, we find that North East Delhi riots is a culmination of mishandling of  many incidents, right from Jamia to JNU and Shahin Bagh. It was a reflection of poor police leadership. Rather I would say there was hardly any leadership in Delhi Police at the top level. Then Police Commissioner, Mr Amulya Patnayak, could not give clear instructions to his subordinate officers, there was hardly any planning, Police followed no SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). I will call it was, in fact, a free for all in Delhi.

Police officers at ground level did not know what to do. Handling such incidents is no rocket science, in fact, previous Delhi Police Commissioners have handled worse situation than this earlier in a more professional and efficient way. It depends upon how the top leader behaves. Force is as good as its leader. There is an old saying in the army there is no bad army there are bad Generals. Today it applies more to police than Army. Here I have no hesitation in saying that Delhi riots were the culmination of mishandling of many incidents, failure of intelligence, and lack of proper planning.

Now when the Police chief was changed the results were visible at ground level as well. Look at the post-riot handling of Delhi riots, it was excellent, good mob management, good scientific investigations and so on. The force was the same only change was that leadership was changed from Patnaik to S N Shrivastava.

A Police Commissioner is not to enjoy ‘Lalbati car’ but to lead the force.

Question

Another Case which has damaged Police Image is Sushant death case in Mumbai. What is your take on it.?

Answer

 

I must accept that the Mumbai police has not acted properly. First, it did not communicate with media, which it normally does in such sensitive cases. After all, we all working for the public, it is our job to convince and clarify them if they are doubting our intentions. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to them, this time there was a huge communication gap. As a result, rumour-mongering started and the media made it a movement. Then the case was registered at Patna, which further damaged their image.

Mumbai police committed another blunder, instead of explaining its legal position to Bihar Police and media it preferred to fight it with Bihar Police. And when an IPS officer came to investigate, he was quarantined.

Had I been the Commissioner of Mumbai Police, I would have sat with Patna Police officer, helped him and explained the legal position. I could have politely told him that is not his jurisdiction. But Mumbai Police made a mockery of the entire Police Force. Mumbai Police failed in keeping the confidence of media and public.

 

Question

In the last what about Police-politicians nexus. Such allegations are emerging in Sushant case as well.

 

Answer

I must admit that situation is very bad all over the country when it comes to police politicians and bureaucrats nexus. It is now Police-politicians-bureaucrats and criminal nexus. In fact criminals these days have become politicians and common people are suffering the most. It is also an open secret that the Police is not allowed to work independently. If they do not toe the political line given to them, they are in trouble.

Though Most of my services were in Delhi Police and CBI, I had some stint in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. There used to be a day to day interference in these states. And it would continue, politicians are public representative and we need to listen to them as well. But we are taught how not to budge to pressure and maintaining a balance. A Police officer has to follow the rule of law and always remember he is answerable to the constitution of this country, and should not compromise with any illegal act, or unlawful orders. This answers all

Ends