Rs 22,622 cr to boost internal security

To strengthen the country's internal security, an outlay of over Rs 22,600 crore (Rs 226 billion) was proposed in the Budget today with special focus on modernisation of police and para-military forces, including acquisition of aircraft and boats.

The outlay of Rs 22,622.49 crore (Rs 226.22 billion) for 2007-08 is a whopping Rs 2,736.17 crore (Rs 27.36 billion) jump over last year.

The CRPF, which assists state governments in maintenance of law and order and performs various internal security duties, has got an additional Rs 393 crore (Rs 3.93 billion).

The BSF, which maintains vigil along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir and the international boundary along Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, got Rs 313 crore (Rs 3.13 billion) more this time.

Likewise, the CISF, which assists in the protection of property belonging to public sector undertakings, was allocated over Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion)

more for the next fiscal. The budget earmarked Rs 119 crore more for modernisation of police force.

Under this scheme, assistance is provided in cash and kind to state governments and Union Territories in the form of 100 per cent grant-in-aid to be utilised for expenditure of non-recurring nature on purchase of vehicles, wireless equipment, computers and other sophisticated equipment.

Delhi Police, which is also entrusted with the task of providing VIP security apart from enforcing law and order, has got nearly Rs 100 crore more in the budget.

Adequate provision has also been made to expedite border works along Indo-Bangla and Indo-Pak boundaries. The task includes erection of barbed wire fencing to check illegal infiltration.

The provision is also for purchase of aircraft and river boats by BSF.