Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the establishment of the rule of law has been the primary reason behind growing public confidence in the state.

Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) Foundation Day 2025 ceremony here, Adityanath said courage, discipline, devotion to duty, professional competence and rigorous training must remain the defining identity of the PAC.

“The rule of law is the main reason behind the growing confidence in Uttar Pradesh,” the chief minister said, adding that good governance is possible only in a secure environment, which in turn encourages investment and fulfils the aspirations of the youth.

Adityanath inaugurated and inspected an exhibition organised on the occasion and highlighted the PAC’s 78-year legacy, noting that the force plays a frontline role in maintaining internal security, law and order, disaster management, major festivals, visits of dignitaries and the peaceful conduct of elections.

Recalling the force’s contribution in combating terrorism, he referred to the role played by personnel of the 30th Battalion in neutralising terrorists during the Parliament attack on December 13, 2001. He also mentioned the July 2005 terror attack at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya, where a joint team of the CRPF, PAC and Uttar Pradesh Police eliminated all terrorists.

The chief minister said his government revived 46 PAC companies, strengthening law and order and improving Uttar Pradesh’s image at the national level. He added that efforts are underway to modernise the PAC in terms of manpower, training, technology and capability, with the force being equipped with modern weapons and riot-control gear.

Adityanath said 41,893 constables and 698 platoon commanders have been recruited in the PAC so far, and recruitment for additional posts is ongoing. He added that dependents of personnel who died in service have been provided employment.

He said 31 Police Modern Schools are being run under the Police Welfare Scheme and that, for the first time, best performance awards were introduced in these schools on the occasion of the PAC Foundation Day.

Highlighting sports promotion, Adityanath said the sports budget has been increased from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 10 crore.

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Over the past eight years, 2.19 lakh personnel have been recruited in the Uttar Pradesh Police, with 20 per cent reservation for women, he said, adding that more than 44,000 women police personnel are currently serving. He also noted that three women PAC battalions—Veerangana Uda Devi in Lucknow, Jhalkari Bai in Gorakhpur and Avanti Bai in Budaun—have been raised for the first time, with more in the pipeline.