AP seeks 3,700 cr from Centre to fortify police force

New stations, residential quarters and modernisation of the system on the cards

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh government has sought Central assistance to the tune of Rs 3,700 crore for modernisation and strengthening of its police force. Speaking to media here on Wednesday, the State Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa said the Central assistance was aimed to bring in a sea change in policing to make it competent to face any kind of situation while maintaining law and order in the State.

On providing facilities to the police personnel and new police stations, he said representations had been coming from MLAs and other people's representatives from across the State for setting up new police stations, constructing of police stations and building residential quarters to police personnel.

He said that apart from setting up and constructing buildings for police stations in the State, steps had been taken in to build police quarters at several places. At present, 49 quarters were being under construction to provide accommodation to police personnel at different places in the State.

Similarly, out of 175 Assembly constituencies in the State, there were no fire stations in 35 constituencies. This was due to problem with availability of sites for construction of fire stations. However, directions were given to take possession of lands having no disputes and begin constructions. However, this would be taken up in a phased manner to provide fire stations in all the 35 constituencies, he added.

With regard to the red sander smuggling, Chinarajappa said though efforts were being made to curb illegal felling and smuggling of the red sanders, it was found that still it was going on in some parts. “A full strength of police battalion has been provided to assist forest officials and we are confident in controlling illegal activities involving red sanders,” he said.

Clarifying on Maoist activities, the Deputy Chief Minister said for the first time after the bifurcation in Khammam area between AP and Telangana boarder, CPML activists were found moving with weapons. However, police on information, had foiled a meeting being organised by the outlawed organisation at Jangareddy Gudem in West Godavari district. While 11persons were arrested, the police had recovered nine weapons from them, he said. Besides, policing had been stepped up on the inter-state boarders of Chhattisgarh and Odisha to keep the Maoists activity at bay.

Taking into consideration recent incidents of fire accidents, directions were issued to the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police in the State to tighten the issue of licenses for cracker shops. The district officials were asked to issue licenses only after personally verifying the location before giving permissions and this is to prevent setting up of firecracker shops or godowns that might cause loss of life.

Giving details of recruitment and welfare of police and home guards personnel, Chinarajappa said while there was no dearth of strength in cadres like inspectors, circle inspectors and deputy superintendent of police, there was immediate need of recruitment for police constables. This would be taken up at the earliest. Apart from this, home guards were issued health cards, and other welfare activities would be provided in a phased manner due to several financial constraints, he said.