PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday paid a surprise visit to the Police Headquarters in Panjim to check the general preparedness and assured to expedite civil works.
Parrikar, who holds the Home portfolio, took a round of the premises, including the police control room, canteen and Panjim police station, catching the police force by surprise.
During his 30-minutes visit, police sources said he promised to expedite the repair works at the old structure in a bid to modernize it. “Besides the repair works, the HQ will be modernised with all basic amenities in place for the staff and visitors. It will also be beautified. CM also assured to enhance the PCR with latest equipments,” an official said.
Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Superintendents and other officials were on their toes all the time that Parrikar was at the headquarters. Parrikar also spent time munching snacks at the police canteen located in the same premises.
When contacted, DIG Rupinder Kumar said the CM made general observations during his visit. “It was an informal visit to the PHQ and its wings,” he told Herald.
During his short inspection at the Panjim PS, Parrikar interacted with staff and monitored the CCTV footage. Besides checking the working standards, he also inquired about any requirements such as vehicles.
During his visit to the PCR, Parrikar was also briefed about their immediate requirements, which included their long-pending demand for the upgradation of the PCR from analogue to digital.
He also assured to increase PCR vehicles from the present 60 and 10 highway patrol vehicles. He asked the police department to submit a proposal suggesting ways to improve the infrastructure at the police headquarters and Panjim PS.
Earlier in the day, he had visited Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) and department of textile, handicraft and coir.
