Thrissur (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday urged the state police force to give priority to address and resolve the issues faced by women, children and elderly.

The police officers' job is not only to prevent crime, but it is also essential for them to stand by the people in times of crisis, he said while speaking after attending a passing out parade of a new batch of 104 sub-inspectors at the police academy here.

Stating that police personnel should be able to treat people with empathy and boost their confidence while in distress, he said they should also be extremely vigilant in keeping away anti-social elements and criminals.

"Priority should be given to resolving the problems of women, children and the elderly," the CM told the new batch of officers.

He noted that the state police force ranks top in the country in all these areas including law and order, scientific crime probe, and cyber case investigation.

The CM further said in these years, the government could enhance the infrastructure of the police force, make scientific investigations more efficient, introduce modern training in the field of cyber forensics and increasing the strength of the force by ensuring women's representation.

"Kerala needs to be maintained as a democratic and secular society. We need to address the major evils like communalism and drug addiction seriously. All these need to be completely eradicated," Vijayan said.

The performance of the Kerala police is an exemplary model to the entire country, chief minister added.

Of the total 104 new sub-inspectors inducted in the state police, 14 are women, an official statement added.

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Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.

Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.

The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.

The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.

During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.

Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.

He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.

Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.

The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.

He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.

Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.