Punjab Budget 2023: Rs 10,523 crore set aside for law and order maintenance in border state

The finance minister proposed an outlay of Rs 40 crore to fortify the Counter-Intelligence wing of the Punjab Police with the latest equipment and infrastructure.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema with Punjab Budget for FY 2023-24 before its presentation in the State Assembly (PTI)

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Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday proposed an outlay of Rs 10,523 for the maintenance of law and order in the border state, 11 per cent higher than last fiscal’s budget estimates for the same.

Announcing the provision while presenting the Budget for 2023-2024, Cheema noted, “Some evil forces are always looking for opportunities to disturb peace and order in our border state. Attempts in the past were successfully combated by our brave police forces. I, on behalf of my government, warn the enemies of Punjab to fall in line. Else, our government shall destroy them from the root.”

Cheema also proposed Rs 164 crore for modernisation of the police force. “To effectively combat gangster culture and to restore people’s confidence in law and order machinery, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has spearheaded dedicated operations against the gangsters and criminals in the state. Till the end of February 2023, AGTF has arrested 567 gangsters/ criminals, neutralised 5 gangsters, busted 156 gangster/criminal modules and recovered 563 weapons and 125 vehicles used in criminal activities,” said Cheema proposing the amount “to strengthen the police forces to tackle crime and maintain law and order and have peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

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The finance minister proposed an outlay of Rs 40 crore to fortify the Counter-Intelligence wing of the Punjab Police with the latest equipment and infrastructure. “Our government is preparing our law enforcement agencies and police forces for all odds. The Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police is being fortified with the latest equipment and infrastructure,” said Cheema.

He also proposed an “initial allocation” of Rs 40 crore to “strengthen the infrastructure in the border districts of the state” and “for undertaking activities such as installation of CCTV cameras in areas close to the International Border; adequate lightening provisions; high-end vehicles for mobility, etc.”

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Cheema set aside Rs 30 crore to combat cybercrime. “The latest and sophisticated threat being faced by the world today is cyber warfare and cybercrimes. Our government will modernise the cybercrime setup and enhance its capabilities,” the finance minister asserted.

He proposed an allocation of Rs 33 crore for the purchase of land for police lines, stations and other offices for the police, besides Rs 10 crore for the construction and renovation of police complexes and buildings in 2023-2024. Cheema also announced a special assistance of Rs 26 crore to aid the Punjab Police Housing Corporation for repaying the loan taken from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO).

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Punjab budget