In a rare show of scale and symbolism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday distributed appointment letters to 60,244 newly recruited constables of the Uttar Pradesh Police in a grand ceremony held at the Defence Expo Ground in Lucknow. The event marks one of the largest mass recruitments in the country’s recent law enforcement history and signals a major political and administrative milestone for the Yogi Adityanath government.
A Transparent, Merit-Based Selection
The recruitment drive saw over 48 lakh applicants competing for 60,244 posts, with more than 12,000 women securing positions — a significant step toward greater gender inclusion in the police force.
In his address, Amit Shah lauded the recruitment process, emphasizing that the selection was conducted without bribes, favoritism, or caste-based considerations. “There was no phone call, no money, and no interference. The process was purely based on merit,” Shah said to thunderous applause.
He praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for transforming the law and order landscape in the state and added that the era of “goons dictating terms” in Uttar Pradesh was firmly over.
Toward a Modern and Just Policing System
Shah outlined the central government’s broader vision for policing, stating that “India cannot become a global leader without ensuring internal security.” He highlighted plans for modern policing tools, including AI-enabled crime detection, mobile forensic labs, and smart command centers.
He also put forward an ambitious judicial reform goal: reducing the timeline from FIR to Supreme Court verdict to three years, which would require coordination across investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial wings of the state.
Political Undertones and State Priorities
The presence of both Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath on a shared platform is being seen as politically significant. Analysts suggest the event doubles as a show of unity and governance delivery ahead of future electoral contests in Uttar Pradesh — India’s most populous and politically influential state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his address, underscored that the recruitment fulfilled his government’s promise of “smart policing” and administrative transparency. He emphasized that the new recruits would be trained in technology, citizen-first service, and community policing.
Aspirations Fulfilled: Stories From the Ground
For many of the newly inducted constables, the ceremony was the culmination of years of struggle and aspiration.
“I didn’t pay a single rupee to get this job,” said Lavi Chauhan, one of the recruits. “It was my effort, my preparation, and now my responsibility.”
Another recruit, Roshan Jahan, whose father sells eggs in Bareilly, was visibly emotional. “To receive my appointment letter from the Home Minister himself was surreal,” she said.
With these new recruits, the strength of the UP Police force moves closer to 400,000 personnel, including nearly 36,000 women — making it one of the largest and most diverse police forces in India.
A Defining Moment for Policing in Uttar Pradesh
As the sun set over the ceremonial grounds, the message from Lucknow was clear: law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a transformation — one rooted in transparency, technology, and a renewed focus on service. For thousands of young men and women, Saturday marked the beginning of a new chapter — not just in their own lives, but in the evolving story of Indian policing.