Expressing concern over the growing challenge of cyber crime, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara today demanded the central government to release the balance Rs 46.95 crore funds approved for the 2017-18 fiscal for modernising police force.
The matter was discussed in a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after submitting a proposal seeking
Rs 1,118.40 crore relief funds for flood-hit districts in Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and Revenue Minister R V Deshpande were also present at the meeting.
"Security is a serious concern. With increase in cyber crimes, we have to modernise our police with advanced equipment," Parameshwara told reporters after the meeting.
The Centre had released Rs 9.1 crore for the 2017-18 fiscal for modernisation of the police force and the state government has requested for releasing the balance amount of Rs 46.95 crore, he said.
About Rs 93.70 crore funds, with central and state share of 60:40 ratio, was approved for police mondernisation to be undertaken during the 2017-18 fiscal.
In the meeting, Parameshwara requested the Union home minister to clear the proposals of setting up of two India Reserve Battalions and establishment of a State Marine Police Training Centre, pending since 2016 and 2017, respectively.
With regard to railway police, the deputy chief minister said the staff strength of 900 was fixed 37 years back and the same has continued.
"With a multifold increase in the scope of work, the Karnataka Railway Police is facing severe shortage of operational staff. We have asked for additional staff of 990," he said, adding the Centre has also been asked to provide railway police for Konkan Railways.
Karnataka also put forth the demand of supply of boats under the Coastal Security Scheme Phase II, establishment of State Marine Police Training Centre in Udupi district and setting up of two new India Reserve Battalions at Tumkuru and Davangere.
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