Renowned journalist Rucha Limaye interviewed Praveen Dixit on various issues from local to global, security to development, personal to national. Details are as under:
1. Journey & Inspiration – Sir, you joined the IPS in 1977 in your first attempt and rose to become DGP of Maharashtra—one of India’s most respected police forces. What initially drew you to this challenging career, and looking back, what were one or two defining moments early in your service that shaped your approach to leadership and integrity in policing?
Reply: As a young boy, my father used to mention, if one prepares hunting a tiger, one may succeed in hunting a rabbit. Always be prepared to attempt for a big challenge, then you may be able to achieve smaller successes. My father Narayan Shastri was a well-known Pundit and teacher in Sanskrit. He was a constant source of inspiration to work hard and with sincerity. Another tall figure in the family was my great grandfather D. S. Joshi ICS of 1933 batch who served as Chief Secretary to Government of Maharashtra and later as 9th Cabinet Secretary from 1966-1968 to Government of India. Taking a cue from his career, when I completed my matriculation with distinction, I decided to pursue studies in humanities rather than proceeding to Engineering or medicine which was against the advice of my teachers and colleagues. It was certainly a risky decision and groping in uncertainty. In order to prepare myself for this challenge, I decided to improve my skills in languages such as English and German. I selected to study pollical science, and Economics and completed my graduation with Honours in Political Science in First Class. Simultaneously I completed my graduation in Germa Literature. In addition, I completed my primary study in Russian and French by working extra time. Before I completed my B.A. I applied for competitive exam for entry to School of International Studies (SIS) at JNU in New Delhi. On selection, I had great opportunity to learn from reputed and international experts. To name a few, Professor and Jurist Mr Anand who subsequently became Judge in International Court of Justice, Professor Mani, Professor G. P. Deshpande expert in Chinese affairs, Professor M. S. Rajan, Professor Emeritus in International Organisations, Professor M. L. Sondhi who had served in Indian Foreign Service and was M.P. Getting inspired from such stalwarts, I took maximum advantage of various excellent libraries including at Sapru House, U.N. library in International Centre JNU and many more. I would like to further add; I did not join any coaching classes to prepare for the civil services exam. While in second year of M.A. I appeared for the UPSC exam for I.P.S. and got selected in the first attempt.
I would like to recall a couple of incidents in the beginning of my career. I was working as Commandant of State Reserve Police Force at Daund in Pune district. During a meeting with officers and men, the constables requested for permission to visit weekly bazaar. Earlier they were required to be present all the time in the camp, even when there was no any specific assignment. I immediately granted necessary permission and that made them to work with dedication and without any tension from family. If the men working under you are free from tensions, they are able to give their best. In another incident, I found basketball was non-existent in this camp. I prepared the infrastructure, arranged for best training to constables who had no idea of this game. In no time they reached to the level of State sports tournament and gave tough fight in the finals. The leadership provided by the top person has the potential to change entire atmosphere in the organisation.
I recall an incident when I was working as Superintendent of Police in Raigad district. The then Chief Minister late Vasant Dada Patil called me and my colleague working as District Magistrate. The CM said, local people in Nhava Sheva were agitating against acquisition of the land for Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) which was essential for the development as an alternative to Bombay Port Trust and for growth in maritime activities in the country. Through elaborate arrangements, we managed the land acquisition and paved the way for developing this important project. I learnt that on occasions such as these, development cannot be prevented by being soft to few persons who might be influenced by urban naxals working at the behest of left eco-system.
2. Anti-Corruption & Reforms – As DG of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, you introduced innovative steps like using social media for complaints and making the office more accessible to the public, which significantly changed its image. What were the biggest challenges in fighting systemic corruption, and what key reforms do you believe are still needed today to make India’s anti-corruption mechanisms more effective and transparent?
Reply: In order to make complaints easy, introduced helpline number 1064 throughout Maharashtra. Also introduced web-based app www.ACBMaharshtra for sharing videos, audios, files. That created salutary effect. An impression was going around that through allurements, one can get one’s job done easily in government offices There are also incidents when regulatory authorities are noticed creating hurdles in doing peoples’ jobs for illegal gratification. In January 2026, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), a provision that mandates prior government approval before investigating public servants for official decisions. Justice B.V. Nagarathna struck down the provision as unconstitutional, arguing it shields corrupt officials and dilutes the Act’s objective. Justice K. V. Viswanathan upheld it stating it protects honest officers from harassment, though he suggested using independent bodies like the Lokpal for such approvals. The matter has been referred to a larger bench for final adjudication. It would be advisable to wait and watch the judgment in coming days. As far as, the cases of red-handed trap and demand for bribe are concerned, at present there is a provision in PCA to obtain sanction from the appointing authority. The Law Comision as well as CBI and ACBs have demanded that this provision of obtaining sanction from the competent appointing authority needs to be scrapped with immediate effect. In any case the judicial scrutiny is done minutely. Present provision results in delays and negates the objectives of the Act. Dealy in trial of anti-corruption cases is another area where improvement is called for. In trap cases, today, the trial starts usually after 10-12 years. In disproportionate cases, the delays much more and it is seen that judges are reluctant to accept these cases before them. Delay in justice is certainly denial of justice. Drastic steps need to be taken to improve the matter to restore the faith of the common citizen in the system.
3. Geopolitical Assessment – From your extensive experience in internal security and law enforcement, how do you view the current global geopolitical landscape—particularly India’s position amid rising tensions with China, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Middle East developments? What do you see as India’s biggest strategic opportunities and risks in this multipolar world?
Reply: India’ relations with the world have to be based on India’s national Interest. There should be minimum impact of any emotions as this is an area of hard politic. Interests of Indians who are abroad, and requirements to ensure India’s energy security, security or rare earth materials required to have uninterrupted supply chain to our manufacturing needs have to be given priority. Defence needs and things which need advanced technology have to be given top priority. As far as terrorist incidents are concerned, India has taken a stand of zero tolerance to these and demanded there should be no double standards regarding the same. India has made it further clear if there are cross border terrorist activities, India has the right of adequate retaliation in self-defence. Without confronting any one destination, India has to find out new and diverse regions to promote domestically produced goods and services. This is being successfully demonstrated by India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) and similar such agreements with ASEAN, Australia, UK and nine other developed countries. Trade agreement with US has also been announced and that should provide great boost to youth looking for jobs outside and for Indian companies exporting goods to US and other big markets. As a consequence of these agreements, huge investments may be expected in India in the coming years. Indian diaspora in several countries has been playing a role of soft power and are also boosting investments in India and visiting India frequently for many reasons. Precautions need to be taken to protect economic and commercial interests of middle and small businesses in India while finalising these agreements. India has been underlying that interests of agriculture and dairy sector would be protected at all costs. As far as relations with China are concerned, both countries have learnt to keep controversial issues limited and proceeded further. Border dispute is one such area. China’s relations with Pakistan are dictated by China’s interests in finding land route through Aksai Chin area and therefore Pakistan would continue to be its all-weather friend. Similarly, US has plans to invest 1.2 billion $ US in Baluchistan in Pakistan. Therefore, any expectation that China and US would take anti-Pakistan stand would be far from reality. As far as Russia- Ukraine dispute is concerned, we need to remember Russia is our strategic partner and has stood by India in all our confrontations at the international forum including in Security Council. There is very little scope for India to find agreeable issues between Russia and Ukraine. The dispute has its historical roots and Russia feels it has been deprived of its land and people who are pro-Russia. A far as dispute in Middle East countries is concerned, India has advocated creation of Palestine region and is in favour of two nations theory. It is also against terrorist activities in any form, may be by HAMAS or any other group. India’s relations with Iran are broiled in apprehensions about Iran’s nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, India has also signed free trade agreement with six countries in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to compensate huge oil which we import from these countries. In the current scenario, India has excellent opportunities to export its talented and skilled personnel in several high-tech areas including fintech, artificial intelligence, software, manufacturing, renewable energy and space. Exporting missiles, arms and ammunition to Arab countries, African countries and South East Asia and entering into long ter agreement for oil is another attractive area to strengthen our external relations. India’s educational field is also an attractive area to be built in a global manner, so that it emerges as new educational hub for persons from at least 150 countries. Indian Knowledge System as revealed through epics such as Ramayan, Bhagavat-Geeta, Bhagwat, Punch Tantra and Ayur Ved are important fields which impress foreigners. The threats are borderless crimes such as terrorism and cybercrimes. India should exercise all possible pressure on those countries which are harbouring these criminals and arraign them.
4. India’s Foreign Policy & Security – India has strengthened partnerships through forums like the Quad and BRICS while facing persistent border and cyber threats. Drawing from your background in handling high-stakes security issues, what strategic priorities should India focus on to safeguard its interests, and how do external geopolitical shifts impact our domestic stability?
Reply – Islamic terrorism and radicalisation of youth by Islamic jihadists is creating threat to almost all democratic countries including Israel, USA, UK, Australia, France and many more. We need to join hands with these countries, share intelligence and have united strategy to defeat the radicalisation. Particularly dark net, social platforms, hawala rackets, cybercrimes are undermining the sovereignty of all these countries. There are many Khalistani elements operating from countries such as UK, Canada, Australia and USA. Several North-East insurgents are getting aid from various countries including USA, China, Myanmar. Certain elements in Ladakh are also being promoted by external elements. Many criminals involved in body offenses, financial crimes are finding safe heavens in certain countries. Illegal migration through fraudulent documents is also a continuous threat to our security. These factors have direct impact on internal security. Highest priority needs to be given to prevention of cybercrimes and terrorist incidents by radicalised elements. Thousands of youths are being lured in the name of jobs. After they spend lakhs of rupees, they are taken to various countries in South East Asia including Laos, Cambodia and forced to work as cyber slaves. If they are not able to defraud gullible persons, they are tortured. It is imperative that the state governments create awareness among youth against these malpractices. Increasingly drugs are being deployed to finance terrorist activities, to destroy youth during their productive period. Government agencies as well as increasing awareness against these with public support is necessary to fight these menaces. In this regard, recent initiative between India and Canada is worth mentioning. Each of these countries have agreed to establish security and law-enforcement officers. This would help streamline bilateral communications and enable timely sharing on issues of mutual concern, such as illegal flow of drugs and transnational organised criminal networks. It is imperative to have similar arrangements in many other countries including USA, UK, Australia, Russia, Türkiye, Malasia which are being used by anti-national elements. These efforts, however, depend on mutual trust between India and these countries.
5. Politics & Policing in India – Having led the Maharashtra Police during politically dynamic times; how do you assess the current interplay between politics and law enforcement in India? What urgent changes are needed to reduce political interference, improve federal coordination, and ensure policing remains impartial and people-oriented?
Reply: There has to be balance centralisation and local requirements for policing. Policing must be rooted in the local communities it serves. At the same time, offences which have inter-state or international connections, supervision and coordination by Central government is essential. Government of India has deployed NATGRID to identify the bad elements and increasing use of networking through CCTNS and software such as NETRA and GANDIVA are being promoted to facilitate action against the miscreants. Use of artificial intelligence, facial recognition software are enhancing the surveillance capacities. Reckless use of social media to forward fake AI created videos and non-co-operation by foreign based social media continues to be big threat for national security. In addition, it is necessary to take maximum help of human intelligence. Community involvement in ensuring national security through schemes such as Police Mitra needs to be implemented in all parts of the country as a part of the policing. Facilities such as e-FIRs, electronic and digital evidence should reduce political interference. More over the police should display leadership to enhance dialogue among different sections of the society and create harmonious atmosphere. In addition, visibility of police in urban areas is called for through measures such as nakabandi, vehicle verification, hotels checking almost on a daily routine to create confidence in the public-mind and instil respect for law among the miscreants. Increasing help should be taken from local volunteers to enforce traffic rules and prevent accidents. Poor signages on urban roads is a cause of many accidents. Deaths and injuries due to traffic accidents because of the violations is a matter of concern and adversely impacting national GDP and causing tremendous sufferings to families. As per my experience, these measures help in reducing street crimes substantially.
6. Maharashtra & National Lessons – Maharashtra has seen coalition governments, major anti-corruption drives, and evolving challenges in law and order since your tenure. What lessons from your time as DGP can apply to today’s national political scenarios, especially in maintaining communal harmony and public trust in institutions?
Reply – Consensus needs to be evolved through legal as well as political measures to ensure the roads are always kept free from any disruptions. So called peaceful protests cannot be allowed at the cost of routine normal activities of law-abiding citizens. Protests can be organised in open grounds, gardens or halls but never on the roads. Similarly, hawkers need to be provided a designated place and should not be allowed to operate from roads and pavements. Vehicles such as taxis and rickshaws must be parked at designated places and not permitted to park at any corners or free places. Increasing number of vehicles and availability of limited place on roads calls enforcement of pay and park policy to bring discipline and prevent free lunching by vehicle owners. As far as communal harmony is concerned, it is imperative, elders from the same community need to come forward against certain persons creating radicalisation and promoting communal hatred. Stern action is needed by police, judiciary and other law enforcing agencies against those who violate this harmony.
7. Expectations from Youth – You’ve interacted with IPS probationers at the National Police Academy and emphasized service to the people throughout your career. What key qualities, skills, or mindsets do you expect from today’s youth—whether aspiring for civil services, engaging in public life, or addressing geopolitical and social challenges—to build a stronger, more accountable India?
Reply: Today’s world is characterised with digital devises, artificial intelligence, global opportunities and knowledge-based society. It is also fraught with certain threats including massive sudden disruptions, frustration due to unexpected unemployment, impatience, break-up in family ties, lack of social support and unending vacuum about the purpose of life. Exposure and addiction to drugs, drinks, smoking, oily, sweety and salty food is taking heavy toll of the youngsters. Excessive exposure to digital devises has brought down the old age diseases to young person particularly obesity, blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney failures, malfunctioning of lever, lack of sleep, stomach upsets, and many other health hazards. Many of these problems are result of irregular life style and can be controlled by doing regular exercises. Discipline in food items can be easily controlled. Health also means mental and spiritual wellness. Live a life free from corruption, have faith in religious values and be thankful to All Mighty for providing you all the nice things. Saying prayers daily improves your आत्मबल (faith in yourself in the midst of adverse conditions) to remain positive. Have the spirit of adventure to work in challenging and unknown assignments, remain prepared to work in multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-country atmosphere. Do not have prejudices against any community which may be different from your background. Be prepared to adopt new technological innovations including artificial intelligence. Make a conscious decision about your future early in life, prepare yourself by acquiring all the necessary skills to achieve that goal and be professional. Master the skills of time management and excel in whatever you may be doing through integrity and respect for others. Be kind to those who may not be so lucky as you may be and help them as much as you can, to improve themselves. Not only you would be successful but you would also live contented life. Success of youth alone would result in विकसित भारत (developed India) by 2047 or even earlier.
