Khaki Revolution: How Raja Babu Singh Is Reshaping MP Police Training

At the helm of this change is Additional Director General (Training) Raja Babu Singh, a seasoned IPS officer with a mission: To overhaul MP Police’s training system and prepare it for the challenges of modern policing.

Perched on the third floor of the Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters, overlooking Bhopal’s serene Lower Lake, ADG Singh is not just another bureaucrat pushing files. A 1994-batch IPS officer with a reputation for discipline and reform, Singh is racing against time. “In three months, you will start seeing the difference,” he asserts, setting an ambitious timeline for his reforms.

Unlike many of his predecessors, Singh’s work ethic is relentless. While others break for lunch, he stays back, unpacking a modest steel tiffin filled with chana (roasted grams) — a symbolic gesture underscoring his dedication. His presence has already set a new precedent — extra hours and performance mapping are now the norm. “We need the best professionals to build the best training system,” he emphasizes

Fresh from his tenure as Inspector General (Training) of the Border Security Force (BSF), Singh brings with him a legacy of innovation. At BSF, he didn’t just tweak the system — he transformed it. Under his leadership, BSF underwent a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA), focusing on discipline, adaptability, domain expertise and resilience.

One of his landmark achievements was forging a MoU between BSF and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, enabling personnel to earn professional degrees and certifications. This initiative bridged the gap between field expertise and academic recognition, setting a precedent for policing education in India.

Pioneering Flagship Initiatives

As Chief Training Officer of BSF, Singh spearheaded several national initiatives:

• PM’s i-GOT Karmayogi Mission — BSF became a top user of online training modules, enhancing digital learning for personnel.
• Khelo India & Yoga Awareness — Promoted physical fitness and wellness within the force.
• Namami Gange & Women’s Empowerment — Led an all-women BSF rafting expedition, advocating gender inclusivity.
• Clean Himalayas & Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam — Organised mountaineering and tree-planting drives to instill ecological responsibility.

His leadership also propelled BSF’s Central Sports Teams to win 30 medals at the World Police & Fire Games in Canada, proving his vision extends beyond policing to holistic excellence.

Singh highlights a glaring issue — MP Police’s training curriculum hasn’t been updated since 2011. In an era where cybercrime, social media-driven unrest, and evolving laws redefine crime-fighting, this outdated system leaves officers ill-prepared. “Policing isn’t static; neither should our training be,” he argues.

Research underscores that well-trained officers handle crises better, leading to higher public trust. Singh knows this firsthand. Born in Banda’s farmlands, he has seen under-trained officers — often from similar rural backgrounds — struggle with modern crimes.

“If we train them right, even a rural recruit can outthink a cybercriminal,” he says. His vision is to bridge that gap through a comprehensive, real-world-based training module.

Singh’s roadmap for MP Police training is nothing short of revolutionary. Interactive simulations, stress management drills, and real-time feedback mechanisms are just the beginning. “This isn’t just about better policing; it’s about building a force that earns respect,” he affirms.

As the clock ticks on his three-month deadline, one thing is certain — Raja Babu Singh isn’t merely revising training manuals; he is reshaping the very future of the khaki in Madhya Pradesh.

(The writer is a veteran journalist with 20+ years at leading media houses. He has also served as State Information Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh)