By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha said for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), namely, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and National Security Guards (NSG), the Government has been implementing Modernisation Plan–III since 2018 with the total outlay of Rs.1053 crore.
As for as State Police Forces are concerned, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the seventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, the efforts of the States for equipping and modernizing of their police forces has been supplemented by the Government of India through the scheme of “Assistance to States for Modernization of Police (ASMP)” [erstwhile scheme of Modernization of Police Forces(MPF)].
All the State Governments, including the Government of Uttar Pradesh, have been availing funds under ASMP scheme. The amounts released to the Government of Uttar Pradesh are Rs. 118.67 crore and 64.81 crore against the allocations of Rs. 68.39 crore and Rs.63.19 crore during the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. It also includes incentives for implementation of police reforms of Rs. 7.69 crore and better performance incentives of Rs.38.26 crore during the year 2018-19.
Under the scheme, the State Governments are provided central assistance for acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication / forensic equipment, cyber policing equipment etc. Further, ‘construction’ and ‘purchase of operational vehicles’ are permitted in the insurgency affected north-eastern States and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts. As such, under the scheme financial assistance is provided for acquisition of infrastructure and equipment, including training equipment, which enhances capabilities and efficiency of the police forces.
Under ASMP scheme, the States are grouped into two categories, namely Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’ for the purpose of funding. Category ‘A’ States, namely, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and 8 North Eastern States including Sikkim, are eligible to receive financial assistance on 90:10, Centre: State sharing basis. The remaining States are in Category ‘B’ and eligible for financial assistance on 60:40, Centre: State sharing basis.
