Director General of Police, Telangana, Shri C.V. Anand, IPS, emphasized that the Telangana Special Battalions (TGSP), which play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, election security, disaster response, VIP security and special operations across the State, must be further modernised and strengthened to meet future policing challenges. The DGP chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Telangana Special Battalions Headquarters in Jubilee Hills on Tuesday, where he reviewed various administrative, operational, infrastructure and welfare-related issues.
Prior to the meeting, Shri C.V. Anand inspected various sections of the headquarters, including administrative wings, communication systems, armoury management, technical units, infrastructure development works and other support facilities. He later reviewed presentations made by senior officers and issued several directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Special Battalions.
The DGP directed officials to expedite the filling up of vacant posts, strengthen technological capabilities, augment vehicle availability, improve residential quarters for personnel and ensure better drinking water, healthcare and other welfare facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the DGP recalled the outstanding contribution of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) Battalions during the peak of the Left Wing Extremism movement. He said the Special Battalions had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Civil Police and played an extraordinary role in anti-Naxal operations and in maintaining law and order.
He recalled his own experience while serving as Superintendent of Police in Naxal-affected districts such as Nizamabad and Warangal, stating that Special Police personnel displayed remarkable courage in protecting police stations and supporting anti-Naxal operations under extremely challenging conditions. Their contribution, he said, remains a significant chapter in the history of policing. Following the formation of Telangana, the State established 13 Telangana Special Battalions, which have since evolved into a highly capable force. Today, these battalions perform critical duties during elections, major festivals, religious events, public gatherings, VIP bandobust, disaster management and emergency response operations.
The DGP particularly appreciated the exemplary services rendered by TGSP personnel during the recent heavy rains in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts, where they actively participated in rescue operations, evacuated people to safer locations and protected lives and property.
Highlighting the importance of leadership, Shri C.V. Anand said that Commandants play a crucial role not only in maintaining discipline but also in ensuring the welfare of every member of the force. He advised officers to remain sensitive towards the family, health, education and personal issues of their personnel and extend all possible support whenever required.He observed that personnel deployed in distant locations for prolonged periods often experience emotional stress due to separation from their families. Officers must therefore adopt a humane approach and provide the necessary emotional support to maintain the morale of the force.
The DGP stressed that duty allocation should always be transparent, impartial and free from discrimination. Responsibilities during elections, bandobust duties, VIP security and other deployments should be distributed fairly among personnel.
He also noted that while Telangana had successfully overcome the major Naxal challenge that once affected several regions, the Special Battalions must continue to remain operationally prepared for emerging security challenges. He directed that battalion performance be reviewed periodically and revealed that proposals are being examined for establishing new Special Battalions in the Future City and Amangal regions to meet future policing requirements.
Emphasising the importance of mental health, the DGP instructed officers to effectively utilise the 'Mitra' Counselling Centres to provide timely counselling to personnel facing work-related stress, family issues or other personal challenges.
He directed officers to conduct continuous awareness programmes to prevent police personnel from falling prey to drug abuse, online betting and other addictive behaviours. Rather than merely initiating disciplinary action, officers should identify affected personnel at an early stage, provide counselling and medical assistance, and help them return to normal life.
The DGP also called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent suicides among police personnel. He instructed commanding officers and colleagues to remain alert to behavioural changes and intervene at the earliest stage by providing psychological support and counselling.
Shri C.V. Anand further underlined the need to accord the highest priority to professional training. He said specialised training institutions should be further strengthened to meet the demands of modern policing. Continuous training in technology, weapon handling, disaster management, communication skills, physical fitness and mental resilience is essential for enhancing operational effectiveness.
Describing the Telangana Special Battalions as the backbone of the State Police organisation, the DGP said the force should move forward with a clear focus on modernisation, discipline, technology and personnel welfare, enabling it to effectively meet future policing challenges and continue serving the people of Telangana with professionalism and dedication.
