Shri Rajnath Singh reviews the performance of the Police Modernisation Division
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the performance of the Police Modernisation Division of the Ministry here yesterday. During the meeting, various issues including modernisation of State and Central Police Forces, Provisioning/Procurement of specific items such as clothing, tents, equipment, arms, ammunition, vehicles etc. for CAPFs and Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and monitoring of Police reforms were discussed. Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated 85% release of funds by the MHA to the State Governments under the Modernization of Police Forces (MPF) Scheme. He also directed for release of Contingency Reserve Fund without insisting Utilisation Certificate as a special case this year. He advised for effective implementation of Mega City Policing in a time bound manner.
Regarding Private Security Agency Regulation Act, 2005(PSARA) the Home Minister advised to take appropriate steps for training facilities of Private Security Guards and finalization of SOP for Cash handling. He also advised to frame a Task Force/guidelines for Student Police Cadet and Community Policing
Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the efforts for achieving the targets for approving qualitative requirements(QRs) and Trial Directives(TDs), achieving 75% expenditure levels in CAPF General and Plan budget. The Home Minister has also advised the Division to achieve cent-percent utilization of budgetary provisions for the current FY. Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the achievements towards procurement of critical items for CAPFs and other prominent central agencies.
Regarding shortage of scientists in Forensic Labs, the Home Minister agreed to the suggestion of utilizing the services of retired forensic experts and contractual staff in order to reduce the pendency, particularly old cases. He advised to chalk out a plan for establishment of a Central Forensic Police University. He also appreciated the efforts of the PM Division for bringing up proposals for initiating manufacturing for ammunition through a newly set up PSU under administrative control of MHA to supplement the Ordinance Factory Board.
Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the preliminary studies of Division in integration of mobile and MHA wireless networks (public and captive communication domains) and up gradation of the POLNET network. He further directed that more regional workshops be conducted to elicit public opinion and feedback on the draft Police Bill and also advised that SMART Policing and Community Policing initiatives should be incorporated into the action plans of MPF scheme. He further directed that the MPF Umbrella Scheme be finalized early in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.
