Pune News
Pune Book Festival: Ex-IPS Officer Meeran Borwankar Advocates Tech Investment, Constabulary Empowerment, and Citizen Involvement
The Pune Book Festival at Fergusson College Ground prominently featured giant boards announcing a meet-the-author session with Meeran Chadha Borwankar, a retired IPS officer who served as the DG of the Bureau of Police Research & Development. Her book, Madam Commissioner, has stirred significant conversation by openly addressing systemic issues within the policing and criminal justice systems.On Friday, the venue was nearly full as Borwankar took the stage, discussing the myriad challenges the Indian police force faces in maintaining law and order, particularly when resources are stretched thin and the justice system operates slowly. Her session, titled “Woman, Khaki and Leadership,” resonated with many attendees.
“Now that I am retired, I can say there should be improvements in the police force,” Borwankar stated during her interaction. She recounted an instance where two girls were harassed in a café, emphasizing how control room recordings enabled officers to respond swiftly to the situation. “We must invest in technology for better documentation so that we can hold officers accountable and substantiate our actions when necessary,” she asserted.Borwankar also highlighted the critical role of citizen involvement in modern policing. She recalled a case where community members provided essential information that led to the capture of a suspect, demonstrating how collaboration between the police and the public can enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
“We need citizens to be our partners, not just our critics. When they are informed and engaged, policing becomes more effective and equitable,” she emphasized.Addressing the gender bias she encountered, Borwankar noted, “Being a woman in a male-dominated field requires extra effort, but it also provides a unique perspective on leadership.”In Madam Commissioner, she underscores the necessity of well-trained officers who possess not only physical fitness but also the skills to navigate the complexities of contemporary law enforcement. She advocates for improved training and innovative policing methods that leverage the expertise of both academics and practitioners to bridge knowledge gaps.After the session, Borwankar told the media, “We must encourage our ground-level officers to see themselves as leaders and problem-solvers. Failing to do so fosters a culture of reactivity instead of proactivity.”
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