Home Ministry makes shopping easier for state police

As of now, the allocation fixed for the states goes something like this:20 per cent for purchase of vehicles, 20 per cent for expansion and renovation of buildings and finger-print bureaux, 20 per cent for equipment, light weaponry, crowd control aids, 20 per cent for police training, etc, 10 per cent for communications set up and 10 per cent for investigation and office equipment.

Another significant proposal likely to be okayed soon is to let the states purchase weapons of their own choice. At present, the allocation restricts the states to purchasing small arms only.

Till now, the Home Ministry used dish out Rs 200 crore (or 50 per cent of the cost) to states per year for modernisation of their police set up. The scenario, however, changed recently with Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani emphasising upon rapid advancement in state police modernisation.

In one stroke, the grant was increased five-fold earlier this month; the states too would be dispensing with Rs 1,000 per year to match the Centre’s assistance, while the scheme — beginning this year — would continue for another 10 years at least.