Govt cuts police funds,tells states to give 40%

Citing cash crunch,the Centre has urged states to pitch in more for police modernisation. Northeastern states and J&K,which face maximum security threat,also saw a “restructuring” in allocation of funds.

The ministry has told states it will contribute 60 per cent of the funds while 40 per cent will have to be provided by them. Northeastern states and J&K,however,have to contribute only 10 per cent. The ministry earlier provided all of it. For others states,the Centre used to finance 75 per cent of the projects. State officials said the move will result in delay in key projects but ministry officials said it was done in the wake of reports that funds were being wasted. “Despite frequent terror attacks,states haven’t upgraded weaponry… We are urging states to focus on training,weapons,purchase of modern gadgets,” said a senior MHA official.