Rs 500 cr for police infrastructure in Naxal belt okayed

NEW DELHI: After approving the creation of a dedicated anti-Naxal force, COBRA, the Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared a Rs 500-crore scheme for setting up special infrastructure in Naxal-affected states to facilitate proper policing.

The centrally-sponsored scheme would enhance mobility of the police in Naxal-infested jungles through construction of roads. Besides, police posts in the interiors would be secured and tarmac approach roads built to rule out landmines.

Among other objectives of the scheme proposed by the MHA is strengthening the armoury at each jail to avert a rerun of the past jailbreaks carried by the Naxalites to free the extremist inmates.

MHA, in its note to the Cabinet, had stressed on the need to strengthen the infrastructure in Naxal-hit states as it was the biggest impediment to policing.

The scheme is aimed at facilitating effective policing and meeting the security needs of the forces in the field. For the current financial year, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked under the scheme.

Over 70 districts in the country are affected by Left wing extremism, which has been described by the prime minister as a ‘virus’ and the biggest threat to internal security. As many as 470 people, including 160 security personnel have been killed in Naxalite violence this year.

In another decision on Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved creation of 48 new posts of special director-general, additional director general and inspector-general in various central police organisations keeping in view functional necessity. Of these, 3 Special DG posts would go to the CRPF and 2 to BSF.

These posts will strengthen supervisory structure of these organisations for better command and control.