HM Amit Shah to visit Bikaner on May 25-26; Rajasthan Chief Secy reviews security arrangements
Jaipur, May 23
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bikaner on May 25 and 26, during which he will review border security arrangements and hold meetings with senior officials on issues concerning Rajasthan's border districts.
Providing details on Saturday, Union Law Minister and Bikaner MP Arjun Ram Meghwal said HM Shah will arrive in Bikaner on the night of May 25 and stay there overnight.
On May 26, the Home Minister will chair a high-level meeting with senior officials to review border security, anti-infiltration measures and development works in the border region.
According to Meghwal, the meeting will focus on strengthening security arrangements, improving coordination among agencies and expanding infrastructure in border areas.
HM Shah is also scheduled to visit the Sanchu border outpost, where he will interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and take direct feedback on the prevailing security situation, operational challenges and future strategies.
Meghwal described the visit as strategically significant, saying discussions with the BSF and other security agencies would play an important role in assessing border management and development-related issues.
He said the Home Minister is expected to review existing security arrangements, anti-infiltration measures and coordination mechanisms among agencies operating along the border.
Discussions are also likely to cover development issues concerning border districts and local concerns.
In view of the proposed visit, the administration and police have put extensive security arrangements in place.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas on Saturday reviewed security, coordination and administrative preparations related to HM Shah's visit to Bikaner and the upcoming Border Security Review Meeting.
The review meeting, held at the Secretariat, focused on strengthening security arrangements and enhancing coordination among agencies operating in Rajasthan's border districts.
Srinivas directed all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure effective surveillance and robust security mechanisms in border areas.
He stressed the need for heightened vigilance in sensitive zones, faster intelligence-sharing and stronger joint operational systems.
A detailed review was also conducted on law and order in border districts, existing security arrangements, narcotics trafficking control measures, drone surveillance and inter-agency coordination.
Officials also discussed security infrastructure in sensitive areas, including police outposts, surveillance networks, CCTV coverage, communication systems and the Bharatmala corridor.
The Chief Secretary instructed officials to maintain effective monitoring and strengthen rapid response mechanisms to further reinforce the overall border security framework.
Senior officials from various departments and security agencies attended the meeting.
These included Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Shikhar Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (PWD) Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bhaskar Atmaram Sawant and Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma.
Representatives from the Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Department of Telecommunications, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also participated.
District Collectors and Superintendents of Police from Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar and Phalodi joined the meeting through video conferencing.
Officials said the meeting was held ahead of HM Shah's proposed visit to ensure coordinated security preparedness and effective management of border-related issues.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's good that they're reviewing security, but what about the development of border villages? Our farmers and local communities near the border face so many daily challenges. I hope the meeting also addresses basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and healthcare for the people living there, not just military stuff.
Shah ji coming to Bikaner is a strong message to our neighbours. The BSF does a fantastic job in tough conditions. The mention of drone surveillance and narcotics control is particularly important – these are the new age threats. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The timing is interesting. With elections coming in some states, such high profile visits always have a political angle too. But I'm not complaining – if it leads to better coordination between the BSF, NCB, and local police in Rajasthan's border districts, then it's a win. Just hope the development promises are actually followed through.
I live near Bikaner, and this visit is a big deal here. People are happy that the Union Home Minister is coming. The Chief Secretary reviewing everything beforehand shows they are taking it seriously. My only hope is that the Bharatmala corridor project in our area gets a push – we badly need better highways for trade and connectivity.
The focus on anti-infiltration and narcotics is correct, but I wish they also talked about the human aspect – the families of BSF martyrs from Rajasthan, or the issues of smuggling that affect local livelihoods. A holistic security approach includes the people. Hope the Home Minister listens to local concerns during his interaction.