Andhra Pradesh aims to become India’s safest state through technology-driven policing: Minister Anitha

Amaravati, June 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh into the safest state in the country through public participation, advanced technology, transparent governance and strict law enforcement.

Addressing a press conference, the minister said the government’s objective is not merely to respond to crimes after they occur, but to prevent them proactively. She stressed that public safety, women’s dignity, youth welfare and social harmony remain central to the government’s agenda.

According to Anitha, the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has introduced wide-ranging reforms over the past two years in areas such as law and order, women’s safety, drug control, cybercrime prevention, disaster management, prison reforms and police welfare.

She claimed that systems which were previously influenced by political considerations have been transformed into a more accountable and service-oriented administration. The minister emphasized that maintaining law and order is not simply about exercising authority but about earning the trust and confidence of citizens.

Highlighting the impact of these reforms, Anitha said the state has recorded an overall reduction of approximately 14.1 per cent in crime since the government assumed office. She attributed the decline to the use of technology, efficient surveillance mechanisms, scientific investigation techniques and better coordination among departments.

The minister noted that Andhra Pradesh has moved towards proactive crime prevention through what she described as “invisible policing.” This approach leverages CCTV networks, drones, artificial intelligence-based analytics and digital surveillance systems to monitor criminal activities and prevent offences before they occur.

She added that authorities are focusing on tracking offenders, gathering evidence swiftly and expediting investigations to improve conviction rates and strengthen the criminal justice system.

Women’s safety, Anitha said, remains one of the government’s highest priorities. Quoting the belief that true freedom exists only when women can move fearlessly even at midnight, she outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing security for women across the state.

These include dedicated women’s protection wings, district-specific security frameworks, technology-enabled response systems and the ‘Shakti’ mobile application designed to provide emergency assistance.

According to the minister, the ‘Shakti’ app has so far received more than 11.15 lakh SOS calls, all of which have been acted upon promptly by authorities.

Anitha also highlighted the success of Operation Muskaan, a programme aimed at tracing missing children, women and elderly individuals and reuniting them with their families. Under the initiative, 8,396 missing persons have been identified and safely reunited with their loved ones.

She described these achievements as reflecting the humane side of policing and the government’s commitment to citizen welfare.

The minister further stressed that cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) are handled with utmost sensitivity. Special investigation teams, fast-tracked forensic analysis and dedicated prosecution mechanisms have been established to ensure swift justice in cases involving crimes against children.

Additionally, the government has provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 2,293 child victims, underscoring its commitment to supporting survivors and safeguarding the future of the state’s youth.

Team Maverick.