Passionate Interview with Om Prakash Singh by Sachin Chaturvedi
Sachin Chaturvedi: Today, we are honored to be speaking with the remarkable Mr. Om Prakash Singh, an outstanding IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Thank you, Mr. Singh, for gracing us with your presence.
Om Prakash Singh: Thank you, Sachin. I am thrilled to be here and to have the opportunity to share my journey with everyone.
Sachin Chaturvedi: To kick things off, could you please enlighten us about your educational background?
Om Prakash Singh: Absolutely! My thirst for knowledge led me to pursue a postgraduate degree in Political Science from Allahabad University, where I delved into the intricate workings of politics and governance. The intellectual pursuit didn’t stop there. Determined to gain a holistic understanding of the world, I further pursued an MPhil degree in Philosophy from the prestigious National Defence College, affiliated to Madras University. This opened up avenues for critical thinking and deep reflection. However, my passion for serving people in times of disasters and crises took me on an enriching journey towards earning an MBA degree in Disaster Management, a field that combines my dedication to public service with an analytical approach to addressing challenges.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your academic pursuits are truly inspiring. Now, let’s delve into your awe-inspiring career. Could you elaborate on the pivotal roles you have played within both the Union and Uttar Pradesh Governments?
Om Prakash Singh: Certainly! Throughout my illustrious career, I have been fortunate enough to serve the nation in various capacities. These roles have allowed me to deepen my understanding of the complexities of law enforcement and governance while facilitating positive change on a larger scale. As the Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police, I strived to create a safer and more secure environment for the people of the state. Additionally, I had the privilege to serve as the Director General of the prestigious Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). These experiences have provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse facets of policing, security, and disaster management. Moreover, I have held positions such as Additional Director General (ADG), Inspector General (IG), and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in various regions and departments of Uttar Pradesh Police and central forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These varying roles have enabled me to develop a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that exist within the realm of law enforcement.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your unwavering commitment to public service is truly commendable. Could you reminisce about some of the groundbreaking initiatives or achievements during your tenure as the Director General of CISF and Uttar Pradesh Police?
Om Prakash Singh: During my tenure as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), I tirelessly worked towards enhancing the capabilities of the force and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure. Recognizing the evolving nature of security threats, my team and I focused on integrating technology into our security protocols. This involved the implementation of advanced surveillance systems, access control measures, and the use of cutting-edge technology for threat assessment. By embracing digital platforms, data analytics, and advanced software systems, we revolutionized the way the CISF operated, enabling faster response times, smoother information sharing, and more effective investigation techniques.
Similarly, as the Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police, I had the opportunity to spearhead transformative initiatives that brought about a positive impact on the law enforcement landscape of the state. To address the challenges of growing urbanization and ensure effective governance, I championed the introduction of the police commissionerate system in Lucknow and Noida. This system aimed to promote better coordination, improve accountability, and enhance citizen-centric policing. The successful organization of an incident-free Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which witnessed millions of devotees congregating, stands as a testament to our collective efforts in maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety and security of all participants. Another notable accomplishment during my tenure was effectively managing the law and order situation during the Ram Janmbhoomi verdict in 2019. This historic verdict carried emotional significance for millions of people and required a sensitive and meticulous approach to ensure peace and harmony. Guided by a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of all stakeholders, we deployed extensive security arrangements, implemented preventive measures, and closely monitored the situation to ensure a peaceful outcome.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your achievements are simply awe-inspiring. Now, let’s take a moment to relish in the recognition and honors you have received throughout your illustrious career.
Om Prakash Singh: I am humbled to have been bestowed with numerous prestigious awards that signify the acknowledgment of my efforts and the contributions made by the teams I have had the privilege to lead. The Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service stand as testaments to my commitment to duty and the tireless efforts put forth in ensuring the safety and security of the people. The 50th Independence Anniversary Medal is a proud recognition of my dedication to serving the nation during moments of celebration and achievement. Additionally, the Police Medal for Gallantry serves as a symbol of courage demonstrated during challenging and perilous circumstances. Each of these honors represents not only my dedication but also the collective efforts of the incredible teams that I have had the honor of working with throughout my career.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your unyielding pursuit of excellence is truly inspiring. On a different note, every journey encounters hurdles. Could you shed light on any challenges or controversies you may have experienced?
Om Prakash Singh: Indeed, no journey is complete without its share of challenges. As an IPS officer, I have faced numerous hurdles, both professionally and personally. One such incident that garnered attention occurred during my tenure as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Lucknow district, where I was embroiled in the aftermath of the infamous attack on Mayawati in a VIP guesthouse. Unfortunately, this incident led to my suspension by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. It was undoubtedly a challenging period, but I firmly believe that challenges help shape us into better individuals and leaders. They test our resilience, determination, and ability to learn from adversity.
Additionally, during my tenure as the Additional Director General (ADG) of Meerut (NCR) zone, violence erupted in Phase-II of Noida city, resulting in an unsettling situation for the public and authorities alike. As a responsible officer, I swiftly took measures to contain and control the situation. However, subsequent to the incident, I was transferred by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Such controversies are part of the professional challenges one encounters in demanding roles, and I constantly strive to learn from them and emerge stronger.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your indomitable spirit in the face of challenges is truly awe-inspiring. Before we conclude, could you share some of the groundbreaking accomplishments you spearheaded as the Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police?
Om Prakash Singh: Absolutely! One of the cornerstones of my tenure as the Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police was the recognition of the immense power of technology in transforming law enforcement. To this end, I vigorously advocated for the adoption of technological advancements within the police force. We dedicated ourselves to embracing digital platforms, data analytics, and cutting-edge software systems. This paradigm shift revolutionized the way the Uttar Pradesh Police operates, enabling faster response times, smoother information sharing, and more effective investigation techniques. By harnessing the power of technology, we were better equipped to tackle emerging challenges and address the evolving nature of crime effectively.
Moreover, I firmly believe that community policing is a vital pillar of a progressive law enforcement system. I dedicated significant efforts to bridge the gap between the police and the public. Through various initiatives and programs, we actively engaged with citizens, fostering a sense of partnership and active participation in crime prevention and law enforcement. This collaborative approach strengthened trust, improved communication, and enhanced the overall effectiveness of the police force in serving and protecting the community.
Recognizing the escalating menace of cybercrimes, we proactively focused on bolstering cybersecurity measures. With the proliferation of digital platforms, it became imperative to establish specialized units within the Uttar Pradesh Police to tackle issues such as online fraud, hacking, and data breaches. By investing in the latest technology and providing comprehensive training to our officers, we significantly improved the capabilities of the force to combat cyber threats effectively, thereby safeguarding the interests of the public, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Ensuring the safety and security of women has always been a top priority for me. We introduced several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at preventing crimes against women and fostering a safer environment. Specialized units, such as the Women Power Line (1090) and Anti-Romeo Squads, were set up to address issues related to harassment, abuse, and violence against women. These initiatives instilled a sense of security among women, empowering them to report incidents without fear and assuring them that their voices would be heard and acted upon.
Recognizing that infrastructure plays a vital role in effective law enforcement, we focused on modernizing police facilities across Uttar Pradesh. A massive effort was undertaken to ensure well-equipped police stations and upgraded infrastructure. By equipping police stations with advanced communication systems, providing modern weaponry, and improving amenities for both officers and the public, we set the stage for a more efficient, professional, and responsive police force. A technologically advanced and well-equipped police force is capable of delivering better services to the community and handling critical situations with confidence and professionalism.
Lastly, I emphasized the significance of continuous training and skills development for our police officers. Recognizing the dynamic nature of crime and emerging challenges, comprehensive training programs were introduced to enhance the capabilities of our force. Officers were trained in areas such as crowd management, counter-terrorism, cybercrime investigation, and community engagement. By investing in their professional growth and upgrading their skills, we ensured a highly competent and capable police force that can effectively handle diverse situations.
Sachin Chaturvedi: Your transformative initiatives have ushered in a new era of security and progress for Uttar Pradesh. On behalf of our audience, thank you sincerely, Mr. Singh, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us.
Om Prakash Singh: The pleasure is mine, Sachin. I am indebted to the opportunity to shed light on the tireless efforts of the police force across the nation. Together, we can ensure a secure and prosperous future for all.