“It Is the Important Responsibility of Police to Safeguard Human Rights,” Says NHRC Secretary General

Jaipur : A two-day capacity building program for police officers focused on human rights, jointly organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Rajasthan Police, commenced on Friday at the Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA).

Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the NHRC, emphasized that the police force has a crucial responsibility to safeguard and protect human rights. Police officers play an effective role in ensuring citizens’ rights to lead a dignified life and in protecting the interests of underprivileged and vulnerable groups. He stated that the essence of human rights is to live a dignified and meaningful life.

During the program, Rajasthan’s Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Utkal Ranjan Sahu, remarked that human rights are the fundamental rights of all individuals, protecting their rights regardless of caste, religion, gender, language, or social status. He expressed gratitude to the NHRC for organizing this capacity building program in Jaipur, aimed at upgrading the knowledge of Rajasthan Police officers about new laws and procedures relevant to human rights protection.

Meanwhile, the DGP of Cyber Crime and SCRB, along with the Additional Director General of Police, honored Shri Bharat Lal, the Secretary General of the NHRC. ADG Civil Rights and AHT, Mrs. Malini Agrawal, welcomed everyone and provided an overview of the program. NHRC DG (Investigation) Mr. Ajay Bhatnagar, NHRC Registrar (Law) Mr. Joginder Singh, ADG (Training) Mr. Ashok Rathore, as well as various officers from the Police Headquarters, including those of the ranks SP, ASP, DSP, and Inspector, were also present. ADG and Director of the Rajasthan Police Academy, Shri S. Sengathir, expressed his thanks to all attendees. The inaugural session was conducted by DIG Shri Deepak Bhargava. A total of 40 police officers of IG, DIG, and SP rank are participating in this capacity building program.

Sessions Held on the First Day

In the sessions held on the first day, NHRC DG (Investigation) Mr. Ajay Bhatnagar spoke about the PHR Act 1993 and the role of the Investigation Division in addressing human rights. In the third session, NHRC Registrar (Law) Mr. Joginder Singh discussed the guidelines of the Human Rights Commission concerning policing and Supreme Court cases. Former NHRC member Mr. Rajeev Jain presented on human rights and jurisprudence, while Mr. Ashok Gupta, a member of the State Human Rights Commission, shared insights on the human rights scenario in Rajasthan.

Finale Scheduled for Saturday

ADG Civil Rights and AHT, Mrs. Malini Agrawal, announced that the second and final day of the capacity building program will feature three main sessions, followed by a valedictory session. The chief guest for the concluding session will be Rajasthan DGP Mr. Utkal Ranjan Sahu, with NHRC DG (Investigation) Mr. Ajay Bhatnagar also in attendance. In the first session of the second day, NHRC DG (Investigation) Mr. Ajay Bhatnagar will discuss human rights and ethical dilemmas in policing. NHRC Registrar (Law) Mr. Joginder Singh will address cases registered concerning the Rajasthan Police, and ADG Civil Rights and AHT Mrs. Malini Agrawal will present on the human rights of women, with a special emphasis on domestic violence.