Hyderabad, October 08: Stating that he now heads a family of over one lakh police personnel, the new Director General of Police R R Girish Kumar today said that without the welfare of his `family,’ he cannot expect them to deliver quality service to the public.
“It is challenging to head the department as its chief. I am heading a family of more than a lakh (of policemen) including Home Guards and their issues does concern me. Without their welfare, I cannot expect them to deliver. Their welfare would be one of my top priorities,’’ he said soon after assuming charge of his new post at 3.29 p.m. today.
Girish Kumar, a 1976 batch IPS officer who was heading the ACB till now told a press conference that he was confident that his officers and men would stand by him to ensure that the police department performed its duty in a befitting manner.
“Police officials would be made more accountable and responsive. Issues of terrorism, Maoists, the insecurity being felt by women, traffic problems and issues concerning the weaker sections would be addressed to with utmost dedication,’’ he said.
The former DGP SSP Yadav had handed over charge to his colleague and senior IPS officer Umesh Kumar and left his office in a hurry by noon.
Girish Kumar took charge from Umesh Kumar.
Thanking the media, Girish Kumar assured that he would improve transparency at all levels in his department including his own office.
Asked about the image of his department during Yadav’s tenure and whether it had taken a severe beating, the 1976 batch IPS officer said he would not comment on his predecessor’s tenure. “But if there are some deficiencies in the department, we will address them and try to improve it.’’ He said that intelligence gathering mechanism would be further enhanced.
“Even the fight against corruption is going on and sooner or later, we will gain an upper hand,’’ he said.
On the issues of abolishing the orderly system, Girish Kumar said that he would implement the Government Order. Overall, it was a day of swift developments what with Girish Kumar taking charge as the DGP within hours of the orders being issued.
After speaking to the media for a few minutes, he rushed to attend a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister K Rosaiah.
Girish Kumar, who previously worked as SP of Guntur, Nellore, Vijayawada and DCP in Hyderabad, did his post-graduation in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. After joining the Indian Police Service, he took leave for two years and did Masters in Business Administration from the USA.
He also held the posts of DIG, Intelligence, IG, CID, Additional DGP, CID, DG, Vigilance and Enforcement.
He joined ACB in November 2007 and has keen interest in supply chain management, game theory, simulation and developing strategies for combating terrorism and left wing extremism.
He is a recipient of Indian police medal for meritorious services and President’s Police Medal for distinguished services. Girish Kumar’s wife Ranee Kumar is a journalist.
–Agencies–