Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on Sunday that the state’s police force, once an institution "in crisis" prior to 2017, has transformed into one of the premier law enforcement bodies in India. Speaking at the passing-out parade for the 2025 batch of police constables at the Reserve Police Lines, he declared that the era of "mafia rule" over the government had come to an end.
During his address to the new recruits, the Chief Minister praised the force for ending the culture of extortion and "goonda tax" that previously plagued the state. He claimed that the fear once felt by traders and citizens has shifted to the criminals themselves, noting that the police are now capable of preventing riots before they even begin. In a sharp critique of previous administrations, Adityanath argued that the state was formerly synonymous with anarchy and instability, whereas it now prioritises the safety of women and the business community.
Addressing the constables directly, he urged them to maintain a balance between being uncompromising with criminals and sensitive toward law-abiding citizens. He particularly commended the women in the batch for their discipline and readiness, highlighting that daughters are now playing a vital role in the state's security. This latest recruitment drive follows an event on 15 June 2025, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed appointment letters to over 60,000 constables who began their training in July of the previous year.
The Chief Minister also shared figures illustrating the scale of the department's expansion. Over the last nine years, more than 2.18 lakh personnel have been recruited and the police budget has tripled since 2017. He detailed the modernisation of the force, including the establishment of seven police commissionerates, the creation of cyber police stations in every district, and the training of the Anti-Terrorism Squad to match national standards.
Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna noted that this 2025 batch represents a historic milestone, being the first time in India that over 60,000 constables — including 12,000 women — have been recruited in a single direct intake. Adityanath concluded the ceremony by presenting awards and commendation certificates, reminding the recruits that the sweat shed during training is the best way to prevent bloodshed in the field, and that discipline remains the force's greatest asset.
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