To appreciate the state’s initiative of successfully implementing police reforms, the central government has released Rs 7.69 crore each for ten states. The states which checked all the boxes to become eligible for this incentive were Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. These states will receive Rs 7.69 crore each, primarily for quickly filling up vacancies, adopting the latest technology to curb crime rates and welfare of police personnel.
Under the scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces scheme, states have been alloted Rs 769 crore in the last fiscal year, the Home Ministry said. The primary reason for dispensing extended sum of money to these states who shone in implementing police reforms is because the progress in this particular area has been tepid since independence despite Centre’s effort.
Significant criteria to be eligible for these incentives
Apart from the states filling the vacant posts at a swift pace, and extensively using modern technology such as mobile and IT application along with GIS-based computer-aided dispatch, online complaints system, and electronic record keeping, the states had to display their progress in other areas. This included the adoption of modern weapons, CCTV surveillance, vehicles, data centres, equipment, and command and control centres to obtain the incentive.
Stressing on the importance of an adequate workforce, an HRD official said that a comprehensive review of the sanctioned strength of police personnel was carried out and a time-bound recruitment and training programme was finalised.
The states also had to excel in providing welfare measures to police personnel which includes housing and medical facilities. Restroom facilities, particularly for women personnel, were taken into serious consideration while deciding on incentive funds.
The Home Ministry official mentioned that the entire allocation of Rs 100 crore for Assistance of the State Government for Special Projects/Programmes for improving police infrastructure has also been released.
