Chhattisgarh gets around SC order,clears law for anti-Naxal armed force

“Despite anything contained in any judgement,order or decree of any court,each person working as SPO on the date this Act came into force will have a right to remain at the post,” says Section 11(3) of the Act.

“The Supreme Court termed giving arms to tribal youths employed as SPOs illegal… But this Act clearly says ‘Armed Force’,” said Congress MLA Mohammad Akbar,accusing the state of contempt of court.

The government said the Supreme Court had only pointed at the illegality of process under which the SPOs were employed. “We have given legal status to SPOs. Their payscale and training have been legalised,” Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar said.

Provisions of the Act

* Authorises an “armed auxiliary force” to deal with Naxals

* While minimum educational qualification is Class V,if an existing SPO is ineligible,he/she will be given requisite education.

* A member of the force is to be given around Rs 7,000 monthly,double of what the existing SPOs get.

* Members are to be given six-month training in arms,community policing and gathering intelligence.

* In case a member dies,his/her family will receive Rs 5 lakh relief,plus a government job.

* Members will be eligible to be recruited under Class III services of the state police.