Telangana to fill all police vacancies by 2028, recruit 5,000 more personnel: CM Revanth Reddy

The state government of Telangana has unveiled an ambitious plan to eliminate all existing vacancies in the police force by 2028, a move that will see the recruitment of an additional 5,000 personnel across the hierarchy. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the initiative at a press conference in Hyderabad on Tuesday, framing it as a critical step toward strengthening public safety and modernising law enforcement in the region. The plan, he said, will be funded through the state’s revised budget for the next five years and will be implemented in phases to ensure that recruitment standards are not compromised.Reddy’s announcement comes amid growing concerns about staffing shortages that have hampered police response times and investigative capacities in several districts..

According to the Home Department, the current vacancy rate stands at roughly 15 percent, a figure that has risen steadily over the past three years due to retirements, transfers and the increasing complexity of crime. The new recruitment drive will target a broad spectrum of positions, from constables and sub‑inspectors to senior officers, with a particular emphasis on technology‑savvy candidates capable of handling cyber‑crimes, financial fraud and other emerging threats.In conjunction with the recruitment push, the chief minister also announced an increase in the ex‑gratia payment for Home Guard personnel who lose their lives while on duty. The compensation will be raised to ₹10 lakh, up from the previous amount of ₹5 lakh, a decision that Reddy said reflects the government’s “unwavering gratitude” for the sacrifices made by these volunteers..

The Home Guard, a paramilitary force that assists the police in crowd control, disaster response and community policing, has been on the front line of many recent operations, including flood relief efforts and the management of large public gatherings.The Home Department’s Director General of Police, N. Reddy, welcomed the recruitment drive but cautioned that simply adding numbers would not be enough to address the evolving nature of crime. “We are dealing with a new breed of criminal activity that leverages technology, social media and sophisticated financial networks,” he told reporters..

“Our focus must shift to building a force that is not only larger but also better equipped, better trained and more agile.” He outlined a parallel strategy that includes the establishment of dedicated cyber‑crime cells in each district, the procurement of modern forensic equipment, and the introduction of advanced data‑analytics platforms to aid in crime prediction and resource allocation.Experts from the Indian Institute of Criminology, who were invited to comment on the policy, highlighted the importance of holistic reforms. Meera Nair, a senior researcher, noted that the success of such a large‑scale recruitment effort will hinge on transparent selection processes and continuous professional development. “Recruitment is the first step, but retention, morale and career progression are equally vital,” she said..

“If the state can provide clear pathways for advancement and invest in regular training, it will not only fill vacancies but also build a resilient police culture.”The financial implications of the plan have also been a subject of scrutiny. The state’s finance minister, K. Rao, assured legislators that the additional expenditure, estimated at ₹1,200 crore over five years, will be drawn from the surplus generated by recent economic growth and increased tax revenues..

He emphasized that the allocation will not affect other priority sectors such as health and education, and that the government intends to seek central assistance for the procurement of high‑end technology and equipment.Public reaction to the announcements has been mixed. While many civil society groups applauded the increased compensation for Home Guard families, others voiced concerns about the speed and transparency of the recruitment process. The Telangana Civil Liberties Forum issued a statement urging the government to adopt an open‑door policy for applications and to ensure that the selection criteria are free from political or regional bias..

“A merit‑based approach is essential to restore public confidence in the police force, especially in a state where law and order have been a contentious issue,” the statement read.In the days following the press conference, the state police began outlining the logistical framework for the recruitment drive. An online portal will be launched in early November, allowing candidates to register, submit documents and schedule written examinations. The selection process will incorporate a two‑stage assessment: a written test covering general knowledge, law and ethics, followed by physical fitness and psychological evaluations..

The DGP confirmed that candidates who clear these stages will undergo a mandatory training program at the Police Academy in Hyderabad, where they will receive instruction in modern policing techniques, community engagement and digital forensics.The emphasis on modern policing aligns with a broader national trend toward integrating technology into law enforcement. The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently rolled out the “Digital Police” initiative, encouraging states to adopt integrated command and control systems, body‑worn cameras and real‑time crime mapping tools. Telangana’s plan to set up district‑level cyber‑crime units and to upgrade its forensic laboratories is consistent with these directives, and the state has pledged to collaborate with the National Crime Records Bureau for data sharing and best‑practice exchange.Analysts suggest that the success of the initiative will be measured not only by the number of recruits hired but also by tangible improvements in crime resolution rates and public perception of safety..

A recent survey by the Centre for Policy Research indicated that citizens in Telangana rank police effectiveness as a moderate concern, with particular anxiety over cyber‑related fraud and violent crimes. If the recruitment and modernization efforts can address these gaps, the state could set a benchmark for other Indian regions grappling with similar challenges.As the recruitment drive gains momentum, the administration has signalled a willingness to monitor progress through quarterly reviews and public reporting. The Home Department will publish vacancy statistics, recruitment numbers and training outcomes on its website, providing a transparent audit trail for stakeholders..

In a final note, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reiterated his government’s commitment to a safe and secure Telangana, stating that “a well‑staffed, well‑trained police force is the backbone of any thriving society, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our citizens feel protected at every turn.”.