Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced a major expansion of the state's police force, unveiling plans to recruit between 15,000 and 20,000 new personnel while also promoting approximately 5,000 existing officers. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the conclusion of a two-day conference of senior police officers, during which law enforcement priorities, operational strategies, and administrative reforms for the coming period were reviewed in detail. The scale of the proposed recruitment drive signals one of the more substantial expansions of Assam's police infrastructure in recent years, reflecting the state government's stated intent to bolster manpower across various ranks and departments.

Sarma emphasized that maintaining law and order would continue to be a central and non-negotiable priority for his administration. He directed senior police officials to ensure that the law-and-order situation in Assam remains stable under all circumstances, reinforcing the administration's zero-tolerance approach toward disruptions to public order. The chief minister's remarks, delivered directly to the assembled officers, underscored a broader push to reinforce policing capacity across the state, combining fresh recruitment with career advancement opportunities for personnel already in service. Such promotions are typically aimed at improving morale, filling vacant supervisory positions, and ensuring that experienced officers are given greater responsibility within the force's hierarchy.

Highlighting the performance of the state police in recent years, Sarma noted that Assam's conviction rate has risen sharply, climbing from around 8 percent in 2020 to 29.30 percent at present. This marks a notable improvement in the criminal justice process, reflecting changes in both investigative practices and prosecutorial coordination. The chief minister credited this progress in part to more timely submission of charge sheets by investigating officers, a procedural shift that has helped move criminal cases through the judicial system more efficiently and reduced delays that often weaken prosecutions. Faster charge sheet filing is widely regarded as a key factor in securing convictions, since delays can result in the loss of evidence, witness fatigue, or procedural lapses that benefit the defense.

Also Read: Assam Announces Massive ₹50,000-Crore Package Targeting Education, Health, And Roads

Looking ahead, Sarma set an ambitious target of raising the conviction rate further, to 35 percent, signaling that the government intends to sustain and build upon the gains made over the past several years. Achieving this goal is likely to require continued emphasis on forensic support, investigative training, and closer coordination between police and the judiciary, though the chief minister did not elaborate on specific mechanisms beyond the emphasis on timely charge sheet submission. In addition to the recruitment and promotion announcements, Sarma revealed plans to form two new police battalions, further expanding the specialized capabilities of the Assam Police. One of the new battalions will be dedicated to disaster management, a significant addition given Assam's recurring exposure to floods, erosion, and other natural hazards that regularly affect the region during the monsoon season.

The second battalion will be tasked with meeting the security requirements of Oil India Limited and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), two major state-run energy companies with extensive operations and infrastructure across Assam. Given the strategic and economic importance of these installations, a dedicated security battalion is expected to strengthen protection for personnel, equipment, and production sites. Taken together, Thursday's announcements point to a wide-ranging effort to modernize and expand Assam's law enforcement apparatus, spanning workforce size, career progression, judicial outcomes, and specialized units tailored to the state's unique geographic and economic needs. If implemented as outlined, the recruitment and restructuring plans would substantially reshape the operational capacity of the Assam Police in the years ahead.

Also Read: Assam Cabinet Approves Proton Beam Cancer Therapy Facility At GMCH For Rs 600 Crore