Yogi orders tech-driven overhaul of UP security forces

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday directed a sweeping modernisation of Uttar Pradesh’s security set-up, calling for deeper integration of advanced technology, stronger infrastructure and more rigorous training to prepare forces for evolving law-and-order and disaster-response challenges.

Chairing a high-level review of modernisation, capacity expansion, training, infrastructure development and future action plans for the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF), Yogi said the three organisations are central to the state’s security architecture and must be strengthened for faster, more coordinated and more professional responses in emergencies.

“The real strength of any security force lies in its trained, disciplined and technologically proficient personnel. Training systems must be made more practical, modern and technology-driven so that security personnel can respond effectively and swiftly in every situation,” he said, stressing that technology upgrades should become an integral part of day-to-day operations.

A key decision taken during the meeting was to set up an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for the PAC to digitally connect all PAC battalions through a single network. Officials said the proposed ICCC would include GPS-based vehicle tracking, AI-enabled surveillance tools, drone monitoring, secure communication platforms and a live command-and-control mechanism. The system is expected to improve coordination during law-and-order duties, election deployments, women’s safety operations, disaster response and other emergencies.

Adityanath directed that information technology be used to its maximum potential and asked officials to ensure timely implementation of the project.

The meeting also reviewed plans to strengthen fleet monitoring and response capabilities. Officials told the chief minister that efforts are underway to equip all PAC vehicles with GPS devices and dashboard cameras, alongside proposals for a dedicated quick-response vehicle system aimed at reducing response time and enabling real-time monitoring and faster decision-making during incidents.

On institutional identity, Adityanath emphasised that the PAC should retain a distinct profile and directed officials to examine measures to differentiate the PAC uniform from that of the civil police, with the stated objective of improving visibility and reinforcing the PAC’s specialised role in maintaining law and order and handling emergencies.

Women’s participation and women-focused infrastructure featured prominently in the review. The chief minister instructed officials to expedite construction of women’s PAC battalions. Officials said work on women’s battalions in Budaun, Lucknow and Gorakhpur is progressing rapidly, while proposals for new women’s battalions in Balrampur, Mirzapur and Jalaun are being advanced.

Adityanath also directed that statues of noted women freedom fighters and warriors be installed at battalion campuses, with statues of Veerangana Avantibai, Veerangana Uda Devi and Veerangana Jhalkaribai planned for the women’s PAC campuses in Budaun, Lucknow and Gorakhpur, respectively.

With the monsoon approaching, Adityanath asked departments to treat flood and disaster preparedness as the highest priority. Officials said 17 PAC companies are undergoing specialised flood relief and rescue training at riverbank locations across the state between May 16 and June 30.

Reviewing the SDRF, officials said units are currently deployed in 12 districts and a proposal has been prepared to extend deployment to 15 additional flood-vulnerable districts.

Service-related issues were also discussed, with Adityanath instructing officials to formulate a dedicated promotion policy for PAC band personnel to ensure timely career progression and address long-pending concerns.

On the UPSSF, the chief minister noted that responsibilities have expanded with rising security requirements at critical installations. Officials said the force is currently deployed at 11 airports, four metro rail networks, the Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System, Lok Bhawan, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and five district court complexes.

The meeting reviewed training infrastructure, including specialised airport security programmes conducted through the Airport Security Training Institute.

On infrastructure, officials said about 77% of construction for the UPSSF headquarters and First Battalion in Lucknow has been completed, while construction of the Second Battalion in Gorakhpur is progressing rapidly. Work on proposed battalions in Prayagraj, Mathura, Saharanpur and Ayodhya is also moving forward.