RS passes Assam Rifles Bill, 2006

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today assured the Rajya Sabha that the Government would spare no efforts to ensure the welfare of the members of the para-military forces.

Rounding up the discussion on the Assam Rifles Bill, 2006 providing tough penalties for offences committed by jawans, the Minister further assured that any lacuna, if left in the provisions of the Bill, would be suitably addressed.

Responding to pleas by members from various parties for fair treatment to the para-military personnel, he pointed out that the para-military forces -- like the armed forces -- had a well-structured mechanism in place to ensure the welfare of its members. The House passed the Bill which provides, for the first time, establishment of a Court Martial on the lines of the Armed Forces, and also provides for redressal of grievances of members of the Force who deem themselves wronged by their superior.

Earlier, participating in the discussion on the Bill, former Chief Election Commissioner and senior Congress member M S Gill said the jawans of the para-military forces suffered from acute stress and the Home Ministry needed to put in place a mechanism for the redressal of their grievances.

Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) said he was worried whether too many penalty provisions could be misused.

CPM member Mati Lal Sarkar also talked about the stress factor of the Assam Rifle jawans.

UNI TEAM SD RP HT1750