BJP demands financial assistance for vdcs also

Jammu, Aug 20 (UNI) Welcoming the decision of Centre for doubling the salaries of Special Police Officer (SPOs), the former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta has stressed for providing financial assistance to village Defence Committees (VDCs) which are functioning without any honorarium in the state.

Prof Gupta , in a statement issued here today, said that it is a welcome decision of the government to take somewhat care of those brave and dedicated persons who have been facing the challenge of armed terrorists and guarding their villages as also extending a great helping hand to the police and other belt forces in combatting the menace of terrorism.

Prof Gupta recalled that in the last Lok Sabha elections and later on in the State Assembly too, the congress had promised a salary of rupees five thousand for each SPO but by only granting rupees three thousand, the government leaders have fulfilled their promise only partially. "It is their moral duty that the remaining part of the promises should also be implemented witout further delay," he said.

The BJP leader said while about the emoluments of 23,200 SPOs have been enhanced, there are vdcs in the state working without any financial assistance which should be now provided some relief.

He also stressed for various other measures to strengthen the VDCs and sustained campaign to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

UNI RKS KR BST1906