NHRC - SHRC Joint Programme<br> Training for West Bengal Police and Correctional Service Officers

The National Human Rights Commission and the West Bengal State Human Rights Commission jointly organized a three-day training programme for police and correctional service officers in Kolkata on 27 June 2004. 39 Police officers of West Bengal Police in the rank of OC (SHO) and 2nd officer working in the Police Stations and Correctional Services (Prison) participated in the programme. The Chairperson, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, who inaugurated the programme, suggested that the term 'Police force' should be replaced by 'Police service' as the word 'force' itself seems to signify repression.
Observing that a change in attitude is a must for the policemen in the country, he said that the Police Reforms Commission report has to be implemented. He regretted the fact that the 1861 Indian Police Act, which was designed to suit the British imperialists, has not changed even after 54 years of independence. He said that the Police Commission Report, which was gathering dust, must be implemented to change the situation.
The inauguration was also attended West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who said in his address that promotion of human rights was of paramount importance to uphold the inherent dignity and rights of an individual.
The training programme was aimed at sensitizing them on various legal and constitutional provisions of Human Rights and International Covenants. It also served to orient them to the techniques of scientific investigation and to sensitize them about the rights of under-trial prisoners, rights of convicts and non-criminal prisoners in Jail Custody.