RPC Calls for Sweeping Police and Administrative Reforms, Seeks Independent ACB and Separate Investigation Wing

Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh: Calling for far-reaching reforms in policing and public administration, Rashtriya Praja Congress (RPC) Founding President Meda Srinivas on Sunday urged the Central and State governments to restructure key government institutions to improve transparency, accountability and public service delivery. Speaking at the party’s weekly meeting, he advocated separating the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from the police department, creating an independent police investigation wing, reforming the Revenue Department and abolishing government departments that he described as ineffective or redundant.

Police investigation wing should be independent

Meda Srinivas proposed that the investigation machinery be completely separated from the general police force and replaced with a dedicated, specialized investigation division.

He argued that the existing system places excessive responsibilities on the regular police, affecting both the quality of investigations and public confidence. According to him, the general police should primarily handle law and order and the registration of complaints, while criminal investigations should be entrusted to an independent professional wing.

Colonial-era police laws need complete overhaul

Criticizing the existing policing framework, Srinivas said many administrative practices introduced during British rule continue to govern the police system despite changing social realities.

He contended that outdated laws have weakened both public confidence and police independence, alleging that lower-ranking personnel remain vulnerable to political pressure while ordinary citizens often experience fear rather than confidence in law enforcement.

He called for comprehensive legal reforms to establish a modern policing system that safeguards both citizens’ rights and the professional integrity of police personnel.

RPC demands independent Anti-Corruption Bureau

One of the key proposals placed before the governments was the complete separation of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from the police department.

Srinivas alleged that corruption continues across government offices despite the existence of the ACB and argued that greater institutional independence would strengthen anti-corruption efforts.

He claimed that public perception increasingly questions the effectiveness of the existing system and suggested that an autonomous ACB could improve public confidence and accountability.

Government departments must be evaluated for public utility

Srinivas also called for a comprehensive review of several government departments, stating that agencies which no longer effectively serve the public should either undergo major reforms or be abolished.

He referred to departments dealing with regulatory enforcement, food control, weights and measures, drug control, vigilance and other regulatory functions, arguing that institutional accountability and efficiency should become the primary criteria for their continuation.

Revenue department reforms suggested

The RPC leader questioned the present administrative structure of the Revenue Department and suggested that the powers associated with the office of the Tahsildar should be fundamentally reviewed.

He proposed introducing new administrative mechanisms and responsibilities that would improve revenue administration, strengthen protection of property rights and ensure more transparent public service delivery.

According to him, comprehensive reforms in revenue administration are necessary to enhance public confidence in the system.

Calls for greater transparency in criminal investigations

Highlighting concerns relating to criminal investigations, Srinivas suggested limiting the role of general police personnel to registering First Information Reports (FIRs), while assigning investigations to an independent investigative agency.

He said such structural reforms would strengthen impartial investigations, improve public trust and ensure that criminal cases are investigated professionally and fairly.

Public administration must become citizen-centric

Throughout his address, Srinivas emphasized that police, revenue and other public institutions should function with greater transparency, accountability and social responsibility.

He argued that institutional reforms should focus on protecting citizens’ rights, reducing corruption and improving the efficiency of government services.

According to him, comprehensive administrative reforms are essential for restoring public confidence in governance.

The meeting was presided over by RPC Senior Leader Pendyala Kamaraju. Among those present were **D.V.R. Murthy, Dudde Suresh, Vardhanapu Sarath Kumar, Vadapalli Jyothish, Dudde Trinad, M.D. Hussain, Vatti Srinivasa Rao, Adapa Seshagiri, Doshi Nishanth, Challa Sambasiva Rao, Gudla Sai Durga Prasad, Maddela Suribabu, along with several other party leaders and members.