States keen on modernisation of State Police Force scheme

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) The Government today said all States are showing keen interest in the Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Force, an initiative of the Centre for meeting the emerging challenges to internal security in the form of terrorism and naxalism.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal told the Lok Sabha in a written reply that more than 1,350 police stations and outposts and over 27,800 houses for police personnel have been constructed. Further, more than 20,800 vehicles and 1.30 lakh modern weapons like INSAS and AK-47 rifles and 41,000 communications sets have been procured by the States under the scheme.

The Minister said the State governments have been reported varying levels in physical and financial progress in modernising their respective police forces. As per information received from the States till April 30, 2006, funds to the tune of Rs 946.86 crore, including Central share and State share under the Scheme in respect of the years 2000-01 to 2004-05, are lying unutilised with the various State governments.

The States lagging behind have been advised to expedite their utilisation of funds, he said.

Mr Jaiswal said Central teams have been visiting the various States to monitor implementation of the Scheme.

UNI GS RP DS1530