The budgetary allocation for the elite Special Protect Group, which guards the Prime Minister and certain other VIPs, has been increased by nearly 20 per cent to Rs 279 crore.
The budgetary proposals presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Lok Sabha today for the force, which has been bringing in modern equipment, has been pegged at Rs 279 crore for 2011-12 as against Rs 224.40 crore during 2010-11.
The proposed increase in the allocation for the SPG is for technological advancement, training and skill development of the nearly 3,500-strong force, sources said.
SPG provides proximate security to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their families besides guarding Congress President Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka.
The force, which was earlier known as Special Protection Unit, has been pressing for an aircraft and other equipment to meet its requirements for carrying out security-related duties.
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