In Gandhinagar, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi outlined the state government's BHARAT Vision on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening internal security. The strategy is built on six key pillars.
Speaking during a debate on the budgetary demands of the Home, Jail, Law, and Justice departments, Sanghavi explained that the strategy centers on Border, Coastal, and Cyber Security, High-Tech Infrastructure, Action Against Terror, Drugs and Mafia, Rapid Response, Rescue and Readiness, Accessible and Accelerated Justice, and Technology-Driven Policing.
He stated that this integrated framework will make the security system more modern and robust.
Sanghavi announced that the government plans to deploy a state-of-the-art surveillance system along Gujarat's 512-km international border with Pakistan and its 2,300-km-long coastline, as part of the Border, Coastal, and Cyber Security initiative.
He also mentioned that new houses are being built for police personnel and their families under the "High-Tech Infrastructure and Human Resources" program.
Sanghavi revealed that over 20,400 new houses have been approved for police families in Gujarat for the first time, adding that a historic decision has been made to provide comfortable 2-BHK houses to police constables and jail constables, replacing the existing 1-BHK houses.
Under the third pillar, "Action Against Terror, Drugs and Mafia," the government has intensified action against terror networks, narcotics trafficking, and organized crime, resulting in significant seizures of drugs and the arrest of criminals.
The fourth pillar, "Rapid Response, Rescue and Readiness," focuses on strengthening emergency response systems and disaster preparedness through technology and coordinated policing.
Under the fifth pillar, "Accessible and Accelerated Justice," the government emphasizes faster judicial processes through fast-track courts and the efficient disposal of cases through Lok Adalats.
The sixth pillar aims to equip the police force with modern weapons and technological tools, such as the VISWAS project, to enhance investigation and crime detection capabilities.
Sanghavi explained that these six pillars form a comprehensive strategy to strengthen law enforcement and ensure public safety in Gujarat.
Highlighting counter-terrorism operations, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested 29 extremists and terrorists between 2023 and 2026, while also disrupting several anti-national conspiracies.
These include individuals linked to the Al-Qaeda funding network, an ISKP module operating in Porbandar and Surat, and Sri Lankan terrorists, he said.
Sanghavi also reported that Gujarat Police intercepted a terrorist from Haryana who was allegedly planning to attack the Ram temple in Ayodhya and was carrying a live grenade.
In another operation in January 2026, the ATS foiled a targeted killing conspiracy by arresting individuals associated with the ideology of Jaish-e-Mohammed, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the crackdown on land mafias and anti-social elements through large-scale demolition drives.
He said that illegal constructions and encroachments have been removed in districts including Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Dahod, leading to the demolition of 7,902 illegal sites by January 2026, and freeing of 1,807 hectares of government land worth Rs 2,246.55 crore.
The highest value of encroached land cleared was in Kutch, estimated at about Rs 1,355 crore, while 3,010 illegal sites were demolished in Gir Somnath district, Sanghavi said, adding that citizens will benefit from improved civic facilities and major urban development projects once these lands are vacated.
Responding to allegations about drug abuse, Sanghavi said the Opposition should refrain from making irresponsible statements that defame Gujarat.
He stated that law enforcement agencies have seized more than 1 lakh kilograms of narcotics valued at more than Rs 14,000 crore under the NDPS Act, arresting 4,316 drug mafias and peddlers.
Six zones of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have been activated to dismantle drug trafficking networks, he added.
Sanghavi said the government is committed to safeguarding Gujarat's 512-km-long international border and 2,300 km-long coastline.
"The process of deporting Pakistani and Bangladeshi infiltrators is going on. Those who played votebank politics over national security are gone now. This government is searching for Bangladeshi infiltrators and will deport them," said Sanghavi.
He also highlighted improvements in police response systems through technology.
Under the "Dial 112 Jan Rakshak" Project, the police response time has been reduced to 11 minutes and 23 seconds across the state.
On judicial reforms, he said the government has taken steps to ensure faster investigation and trial in crimes against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Between 2022 and 2026, police completed investigations in 286 POCSO cases within 15 days and filed charge sheets in 1,295 cases within 15 to 30 days, he said.
During this period, courts delivered verdicts in 1,439 cases, sentencing 907 offenders to life imprisonment and awarding the death penalty in 14 cases.
Describing these judgements as a model for the country, Sanghavi said the safety of daughters remains a top priority for the state government.
He also announced that Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) will be appointed to provide legal and emotional support to victims of crimes against children.
In addition, the state will establish 18 new exclusive fast-track POCSO courts in 14 districts and set up new Senior Civil Judge courts in Meghraj, Ghoghamba, Kodinar and Abdasa to improve access to justice.
Sanghavi said these measures are part of the government's broader effort to realise the vision of timely justice for all and to strengthen the law enforcement system in Gujarat.
He added that the coordinated approach under the BHARAT framework would further strengthen the state's security infrastructure and contribute to the vision of New India articulated by PM Modi.
