Chidambaram asked the police officers “to work harder” in the challenging times when terrorism is increasing, according to a senior officer who attended the meeting.

In the meeting in the Conference Hall, attended by all district DCPs, Joint Commissioners, Additional Commissioners, Dadwal gave a presentation about the work done by Delhi Police to make the city safer. He apprised the minister about the steps taken by the Delhi Police to avert terrorist attacks, the strength of the force, its capabilities, functioning of its departments, districts and basic policing, and its requirements to modernise and increase its efficiency.

According to the officer, the Home Minister asked the police to focus on terrorism and basic policing. “He applauded the work done by the Delhi Police after the Delhi blasts and asked us to be more vigilant and competitive,” he said.

Chidambaram assured the officers that all pending proposals of the force would be looked into, sources said.

However, there was no discussion on the NIA (National Investigation Agency) during the meeting, according to sources.

It was Chidambaram’s first visit to the police headquarters after he took charge of the new office. He was given a guard of honour upon arrival.

“Terrorism is not the only challenge. We have the law and order situation, sense of security, enforcement of traffic rules and gathering and sharing of intelligence,” he told reporters after the meeting. “There are other issues like the strengthening of the force and procuring technical equipment.”