Major focus on internal security apparatus
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 27: In a decision aimed at boosting internal security related infrastructure and meeting other provisions, the Union Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today approved Central budget outlay of Rs 10,132 crores for militancy hit States of Jammu and Kashmir, North East and Naxal-affected States. In addition, schemes under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) worth Rs 3655 crores have been approved for J&K.
The decisions were taken today by the CCS headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on recommendations of the Union Home Ministry headed by Rajnath Singh. The CCS comprised Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.
Official figures released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after the Cabinet meeting revealed that Jammu and Kashmir got the highest amount under SRE as compared to other States hit by the militancy like North East and Naxalism.
“While all Naxal-affected States have been sanctioned Rs 1335 crore worth SRE, the North Eastern States were given Rs 1215 crore. Jammu and Kashmir alone has got Rs 3655 crore,” sources told the Excelsior.
The Cabinet approved financial outlay to the tune of Rs 25,060 crore for financial years of 2017-18 and 2018-19 for Modernization of Police Forces at the ratio of around 80:20. The Centre would give 80 per cent funding while States had to contribute 20 per cent only. The Central Government share will be Rs 18,636 crore while share of the States will be Rs 6424 crore.
“Under the Scheme, Central budget outlay of Rs 10,132 crore has been earmarked for internal security related expenditure for Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and left wing extremism affected States,” sources said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir being the victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and facing regular skirmishes along both Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) is likely to get lion’s share from the Central budget outlay for internal security related expenditure too.
“Special provision has been made under the Scheme for internal security, law and order, women security, availability of modern weapons, mobility of police forces, logistics support, hiring of helicopters, up gradation of police wireless, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project, E-prison project etc,” sources said, adding this would give boost to security apparatus in all the States affected by militancy.
According to sources, implementation of this scheme would bolster the Government’s ability to address challenges faced in different theatres such as areas affected militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and North East and Naxal-affected States and undertake development interventions which will catalyze in improving the quality of life in these areas and help combat these challenges at the same time.
“New initiatives are being introduced to provide assistance to States for upgradation of police infrastructure, Forensic Science Laboratories, institutions and the equipment available with them to plug critical gaps in the criminal justice system.
“Police Stations will be integrated to set up a national data base of crime and criminals’ records. It will be linked with other pillars of criminal justice system such as ‘prisons, Forensic Science Laboratories and prosecution offices,” sources said.
The Government was confident that scheme, “Modernization of Police Forces (MPF)” will go a long way to boost the capability and efficiency of Central and State Police Forces by modernizing them.
Sources said the Government wants to equip security forces and police with modernized and sophisticated equipments to take the challenge of internal security, mainly the Pakistan-sponsored militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism and insurgency in North Eastern States and today’s package was part of the plan to keep internal security situation well under control.
“Apart from modernized equipments, the new Scheme of Police Modernization would also cover computerization of crime registration, investigation, prosecution and strengthen criminal justice system,” sources said.
They added that this was new initiative of Narendra Modi led Centre Government, which would go a long way in strengthening and modernizing police infrastructure to handle security related and other challenges.
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