Uttarakhand has achieved a significant milestone by securing the top spot in the national implementation of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0. The state’s strong focus on a technology-driven justice system has earned it a remarkable score of 93.46, according to the latest CCTNS/ICJS Progress Dashboard released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This achievement aligns with the vision of modernizing India’s criminal justice infrastructure, as emphasized by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The top five states in the national ranking are Uttarakhand with 93.46, followed closely by Haryana with 93.41, Assam with 93.16, Sikkim with 91.82, and Madhya Pradesh with 90.55. Uttarakhand’s success is attributed to coordinated administrative efforts and the adoption of advanced digital systems within the criminal justice framework. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership and close monitoring have played a crucial role in this accomplishment.
The state government’s mission-mode approach in implementing the newly-introduced criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — has been instrumental in this success. Chief Minister Dhami personally oversaw the progress through regular meetings with senior government officials and district-level field officers, addressing technical challenges promptly and enabling effective adaptation to the new legal framework.
One of the key factors contributing to Uttarakhand’s success is the ‘One Data, One Entry’ mechanism under ICJS 2.0. This system facilitates seamless data sharing among different components of the criminal justice system, enhancing coordination, reducing paperwork, and expediting case investigation and disposal. Moreover, the state has focused on enhancing transparency and evidence management, making videography of crime scenes and secure storage of digital evidence mandatory through the ‘e-Sakshya’ application.
To strengthen the police force, over 23,000 police personnel in Uttarakhand have undergone intensive training on the provisions and procedures of the new criminal laws. The state has also prioritized technological advancements, including virtual court hearings through the ‘Nyaya Shruti’ system and the deployment of forensic mobile vans for on-site investigations. Uttarakhand Police spokesperson and Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law & Order) Sunil Kumar Meena confirmed the state’s top ranking, highlighting the efficiency of the ‘One Data, One Entry’ system during high-level review meetings.
Officials have acknowledged Amit Shah’s appreciation of Uttarakhand’s performance, particularly commending the state’s effective implementation of modern criminal justice reforms. With its coordinated efforts and technological advancements, Uttarakhand stands as a model for ‘smart policing’ and exemplifies successful modernization of criminal justice reforms in the country.
