Rs 25,000 crore for police modernisation

The government on Wednesday unveiled a Rs 25,060 crore umbrella scheme for the ‘Modernisation of Police Forces’.

The scheme will lay special emphasis on tackling internal security issues in Jammu & Kashmir, Northeast and Maoist-affected states.

Of the total allocation, Rs 18,636 will be borne by the Centre and Rs 6,424 crore will be borne by the states. The allocation is for the period between 2017-18 and 2019-20.

The Cabinet earmarked Rs 10,132 crore from the central outlay of Rs 18,636 crore for Jammu & Kashmir, Northeastern states and Maoist-affected states.

The government had earlier wrapped up the police modernisation scheme following a 14th Finance Commission recommendation. But it decided to come up with a new scheme keeping in mind the challenges faced by states.

“We have cleared this umbrella scheme keeping in mind the internal security situation. We will do whatever needed to ensure a safe and secure India,” said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad described the decision as “perhaps one of the biggest modernisation scheme on internal security”.

Under the scheme, special provision has been made for internal security, law and order, women security, availability of modern weapons, the mobility of police forces, logistics support, the hiring of helicopters, upgradation of police wireless, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project and e-prison project.

Singh said new initiatives are being introduced to provide assistance to the states.