Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday lauded the state police for its dedication, courage and service, while announcing a series of measures aimed at strengthening the force. The Chief Minister was addressing an appreciation ceremony held at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal to mark new recruitments and long-pending promotions in the Madhya Pradesh Police.

CM Dr Yadav distributed appointment letters to newly recruited personnel and pinned badges on officers and employees who had been promoted. He also announced the establishment of a new police battalion in Khandwa and three new battalions under the State Industrial Security Force.

27,534 cops promoted

The Chief Minister said the government had provided promotion benefits to a record 27,534 officers and employees across 58 cadres of the police department.

He, however, expressed regret that nearly 20,000 police personnel had retired while the promotion process was being implemented.

“Police personnel must perform their duty, while the government will fulfil its responsibilities towards your families,” CM Dr Yadav said, underlining the importance of the force's commitment to public service.

He praised the Madhya Pradesh Police for tackling the dacoit menace in the Chambal region and playing a key role in eliminating Naxalism from the state.

Yadav said companies comprising members of particularly vulnerable tribal groups, including Baiga, Bharia and Sahariya communities, would be included in the newly created battalions.

14,700+ recruited since 2023

CM Dr Yadav said more than 14,704 candidates had been selected across various cadres since 2023, while recruitment for the police band and other posts was in its final stages.

For 2026, approval has been granted to recruit 9,751 police personnel for various positions. The government, he said, aims to fill the remaining constable and sub-inspector vacancies within the next two years.

He also stressed that the Madhya Pradesh Police Recruitment Board had been conducting the recruitment process transparently.

Police prepared to meet security challenges

Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana said new recruitment rules for sub-inspectors and subedars were prepared in 2025. He said the Chief Minister had approved recruitment to 7,500 new posts.

DGP Makwana credited the state's Hawk Force with playing a crucial role in eliminating Naxalism from Madhya Pradesh. Recruitment has also been carried out for 325 Hawk Force posts and 882 posts in special auxiliary units.

He said more than 18,000 personnel had been appointed to the police department over the past two years. After completing their training, the newly recruited personnel would strengthen security arrangements during Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, which is expected to attract devotees from across the country.

Police personnel share their stories

Promoted DSP Deepika Shinde said many police personnel had served for two decades and were nearing retirement, making promotions particularly significant for their families.

Inspector Reena Chauhan said the promotion process had benefited three members of her family and helped transform years of waiting into happiness.

Trainee DSP Vinay Kumar Daharwal, a native of Balaghat, said he had grown up in an area that was once affected by Naxalism. He said his selection as a DSP after clearing the state Public Service Commission examination had inspired people in his region.

Newly recruited policewoman Aastha Sharma said wearing the khaki uniform had been her childhood dream and described her selection after marriage and motherhood as a proud moment for women.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Shukla, Special DG CID Pankaj Shrivastava, IG Administration Harinarayanchari Mishra and several senior police officers and personnel attended the ceremony.