379 politicians, others getting free security cover in UP

Lucknow, Aug 18 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today said it provided police gunners to 463 politicians and others for security purposes.

Of the total security given, 379 politicians were given gunners for free, while remaining 84 were being charged for the services.

However, the state government said the legislators, who have threat to their lives from terrorists would be given additional security only on 10 per cent charges.

In a written reply by Chief Minister Maywati to a question in the state assembly, the government apprised about the exact cost charged for providing security, under which Rs 2,279 per month was charged as 10 per cent, Rs 5,698 as 25 per cent and Rs 22,794 as 100 per cent.

She said the free gunners were provided to state ministers or minister rank chairmen, lokayukts, members and chairman of state information committee, Zila Panchayat chairman and heads of the government corporations and councils, while rest were given security on the recommendation of the district and state-level security committees after assessing their current financial status.

The government further said the police gunners can also be provided to recognised party leaders besides, advocates and witnesses who were involved in some sensentional case.

The Chief Minister in the reply over the life threat to MLAs by the terrorist organisation said a high level security committee recommendation was required to get the police gunner on only 10 per cent payment.

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