Following is the text of the opening statement of Union Home Minister Shri Sushilkumar Shinde at the press conference of the Ministry of Home Affairs here. :-
“I have been presenting the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs on the 10th of every month. I have completed one year as Home Minster on 31st July 2013. I thought to present the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the period from 1.8.2012 to 31.7.2013 for your information.
INTERNAL SECURITY
Terrorism
2. Terrorist activities in the hinterland continue to remain a threat. Immediately after taking over the charge as Home Minister on 1st August, 2012, I visited Pune on 4.8 .2012 and had a review meeting with the Chief Minister , Home Minister and senior Police Officers of the State regarding investigation of the low intensity serial bomb blasts in Pune on 01.08.2012. There was no casualty in this incidence. During the period from August 2012 to July, 2013, four incidents of bomb blasts took place. In 2013, there have been three incidents of bomb blasts:- first in Hyderabad in which 17 persons died, the second in Bengaluru in which there was no casualty and the third in Bodh Gaya in which no casualty was reported. We have agreed to the request of the Chief Minister, Bihar for handing over the security of Bodh Gaya Complex to CISF. In some of these incidents, the Investigating Agencies have been able to identify and arrest the persons responsible and in other cases the investigations are on.
National Investigating Agency (NIA)
3. During the period from 01.08.2012 to July 2013, the NIA has been asked/ entrusted to investigate 30 cases relating to terrorist activities/bomb blasts. Out of these 30 cases, the Government has issued Sanction of Prosecution in 19 cases. Also during this period, two NIA Special Courts have been notified by the MHA.
Strengthening of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
4. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2012 as passed by the Parliament has come into force from 01.02.2013. The Act enlarges the ambit of the “Terrorist Act” by incorporating threats/dangers to the economic security of the country and the monetary stability of India by way of production, smuggling or circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian paper currency. The law increases the period of declaration of an association as unlawful from two years to five years, criminalizes high quality counterfeiting and includes within its scope offences by companies, societies or trusts and provides for punishment to them.
NORTH-EAST
Assam
5. An unfortunate incident of violence took place between two communities in July, 2012 in Assam. I visited violence affected areas on 4th August, 2012 and reviewed relief and rehabilitation process undertaken by the State Government. On 13.8.2012, I again visited Assam to review the security, relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken for inmates staying in relief camps in the riot affected areas of the State. I visited relief Camps in Kokrajhar and Dhubri District. Additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) were deployed. We reviewed the security situation and rehabilitation process on daily basis with the State Government of Assam. More than 4.85 lakh persons, who were staying in 340 camps due to violence, were rehabilitated and all camps were closed by 31st March, 2013.
6. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) among Central Government, Government of Assam and both factions of Dima Halam Deogah (DHD) was signed on 8th October 2012 in my presence and the Chief Minister of Assam. The MoS, interalia, provides for enhanced autonomy to the Council set up under the Sixth Schedule and also special package for all round speedier socio-economic development. Both the outfits have dissolved themselves and participated in the elections to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Councils in Assam. Some of the leaders got elected to the Council.
7. Talks on the demands of ULFA are being held on regular basis. Talks with NDFB (P) are continuing. Talks with NDFB (RD Group) are also continuing.
8. Tripartite MoS signed with UPDS enhancing autonomy of existing Council set up under the Sixth Schedule and the special package is being reviewed regularly. Last review meeting was held on 9th July 2013 at New Delhi. Due to signing of MoS and Tripartite SoO Agreement with ULFA in Assam, security situation in the State have improved.
Meghalaya
9. An agreement has been reached with the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) mainly enhancing autonomy of the existing Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya. The agreement is being placed before the Government for approval. It is expected that signing of agreement with ANVC will improve situation in the area.
Manipur
10. A new special scheme for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants in the State of Manipur has been framed and implemented w.e.f. 1.12.2012. Under this scheme, the benefits/incentives include immediate grant of Rs. 2.5 lakhs, monthly stipend of Rs. 4000/- for 36 months, incentives for surrendered weapons, imparting vocational training to the surrenderees and establishment of rehabilitation camps for surrenderees.
11. Three Meitei insurgent groups in Manipur have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of India and the State Government of Manipur on 13.2.2013 and laid down their arms. A total of 197 cadres of these groups laid 138 arms of different kind on 13.2.2013. The leaders and cadres who have joined the peace process will be rehabilitated as per the rehabilitation policy notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs and approved by the State Cabinet of Manipur. These groups are: (i) The United Revolutionary Front (URF), comprising various factions of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its military wing, Manipur Army (MA). This group comprised of URF and KCP (Lanheiba), KCP (Chingkheingnanba) and KCP (Sunil Meitei); (ii) The second group is KCP (Lamphei) comprising three factions of KCP, namely KCP (Lamphel), KCP (Cith Meitei) and KCP (Taibanganba); and (iii) The third group comprised two factions of Kanglei Yawal Kanna Lump (KYKL) namely, Athouba faction and Achouba faction.
12. United Peoples’ Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), a valley based insurgent group in Manipur signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24.05.2013 and 80 cadres of the militant group joined the peace process and surrendered their arms.
13. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Government of India, Government of Manipur and United Tribal’s Liberation Front (UTLA-SK Thadou group) on 17.7.2013. United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) (S.K Group) surrendered with 34 cadres and 25 weapons on 17.7.2013.
Nagaland
14. National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN/IM, NSCN/KK and NSCN/K the major outfits in Nagaland) are in ceasefire agreement with the Government. Peace talks with NSCN/IM are continuing.
LEFT WING EXTREMISM
15. The declining trend in LWE violence, seen during last two years (2011 & 2012) continued during the current year. In the current year (up to June 30), 591 incidents of LWE violence occured with 202 resultant deaths, as against 883 incidents with 245 deaths reported during the corresponding period of 2012. However, recent incident of LWE violence in Chhattisgarh on 25.05.2013, where CPI(Maoist) cadres ambushed a cavalcade carrying Congress leaders and workers in Jiram Ghati area of Bastar District, in which 27 people were killed and 37 were injured, was a major setback.
I held a meeting of the Chief Ministers of LWE affected States on 5th June, 2013 to address the LWE issues comprehensively and to sensitize the State Governments to play proactive role in combating Maoist insurgency. At present, a total of 95 Bns of CAPFs including 09 CoBRA Bns and one Naga IR Bn are deployed in the naxal affected areas.
16. Construction/Strengthening of Fortified Police Stations Scheme is under implementation in Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected States, under which 400 Police Stations/Outposts have been sanctioned in the 9 LWE affected States @ Rs.2.00 crore per Police Station on 80:20 (Centre share: State share) basis. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs. 370.00 crore have so far been released to 09 naxal affected States.The construction work has started in almost 300 locations. The work will soon begin at the remaining locations.
17. Keeping in view the prevalence of usage of IEDs by the CPI(Maoist) and the resultant damage involved in such incidents, an SOP on ‘Issues related to Explosives/IEDs/Landmines in naxal affected areas has been prepared in consultation with agencies concerned and has been shared with LWE affected States and CAPFs in June 2013. Another SOP on ‘Different aspects of interaction with the common people in naxal affected areas has been shared with the CAPFs deployed in the LWE affected States in June 2013.
18. The Ministry of Home Affairs has revised the Guidelines for ‘Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme of Left Wing Extremists in the affected States’ with effect from 1st April, 2013. The Rehabilitation package in the revised policy, inter alia, includes an immediate grant of Rs. 2.5 lakh for higher ranked LWE cadre and Rs. 1.5 lakh for middle / lower ranked LWE cadre who surrender before the State Government concerned. Also, these surrenderees would be provided a monthly stipend of Rs. 4000/- for a period of three years for vocational training. In addition, incentives for surrender of weapons / ammunition etc. are also provided under the said Scheme.
19. The continuation of the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) during 12th Plan period with an outlay of Rs.373 crore has been approved on 02.04.2013. The scheme has the broad objective to adequately provide for infrastructure requirements that are critical to the policing and security needs in the field but are not adequately or otherwise provided for in any of the existing Schemes. The focus of funding will be on the four worst affected States i.e. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Ministry of Home Affairs have released Rs. 16.52 crore to Jharkhand, Rs. 16.22 to Odisha and Rs. 9.99 crore to Andhra Pradesh as Central share towards 75% of the total estimated cost of the projects approved for upgradation/ critical gap filling of Special Forces during the year 2013-14.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Security Situation in J&K
20. The security situation in J&K has improved. The number of terrorist incidents upto June this year has declined over the previous year. There is however increase in the casualties of security forces as well as in causalities of the civilians.
21. In a major setback to the terrorists, Army and Security Forces, in joint operations in December 2012 eliminated 14 terrorists (including eight foreign terrorists) operating in Jammu and Kashmir. It includes a group of nine militants (Two local terrorists and seven foreign terrorist) involved in various attacks against security forces, who were planning an attack in Srinagar City. Two militants eliminated were involved in Hotel Silver Star shoot out. The militants eliminated also include a Hizbul Mujahideen local Commander, wanted for his involvement in the Delhi High Court blast case.
Shri Amarnathji Yatra
22. Shri Amarnathji Yatra was successfully conducted from 25th June 2012 till 2nd August, 2012 and over 6.21 lakh pilgrims have had darshan of Ice Lingum of Lord Shiva at Amarnath Cave. Adequate security arrangements as well as heavy deployment of security forces at base camps and en-route were made to ensure an incident free Yatra.
23. Shri Amarnathji Yatra for 2013 has commenced from 28.06.2013 to 21.8.2013. The entire Yatra is being managed by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). To provide security to the Yatra, 90 Companies of additional Central Armed Police Forces has been deployed. Around 3.07 lakh pilgrims have visited the Holy Shrine upto 23.07.2013.
Special Industry Initiative (SII) for J&K – ‘UDAAN’
24. The Ministry of Home Affairs have launched a Scheme Special Industry Initiative for Jammu & Kashmir known as ’UDAAN’, in the nature of partnership between the corporates of India and Ministry of Home Affairs. The scheme is being implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). 35 leading corporates have partnered with NSDC to train more than 54,000 youth from the State over the next five years. ‘UDAAN’ partners include leading PSUs such as NTPC, BHEL, BSNL, ONGC, HAL and Canara Bank and private organizations such as Wipro, TCS, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Bajaj Allianz, CMC, Cognizant, Yes Bank, Future Learning, IL &FS, CII, Edusports, Religare, Accenture, Tata Motors, etc. Under ‘UDAAN’ training of 382 candidates have been completed, out of which, 185 have been offered job and the remaining candidates are under placement process. During last quarter, 18 corporates made 32 visits to Jammu & Kashmir and selected 1305 candidates for training.
25. The cash relief to eligible Kashmiri migrants staying in Jammu and Delhi was enhanced from Rs. 1250/- per head per month (maximum of Rs. 5000/- per family) to Rs. 1650/- per head per month (maximum of Rs. 6600/- per family) retrospectively from 1st July, 2012.
BORDER SECURITY
Visit to Border Areas
26. In order to have the first hand information and interact with the people and Jawans, I decided to visit all the Border areas of the country. On 6-7th October, 2012, I visited Kargil and Leh districts of Leh-Ladakh region. I discussed the developmental issues with the Council Members, Chief Executives, Ministers of J&K and officials of Leh & Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council. I also visited Border outpost of ITBP at Lukumbe on Indo-China border and interacted with Jawans and participated in Sainik Sammelan.
27. I visited the Integrated Check Post at Attari on 7th October, 2012 and reviewed the progress of ongoing works with Punjab Government and Central Government officials.
28. From 12th to 14th October, 2012, I visited Jammu and Kashmir Region. I visited Trade Facilitation Centre at Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch District and interacted with traders and discussed various issues relating to LoC trade and travel. I visited Border out Post of BSF at Suchetgarh in R.S. Pura in Jammu district and inspected the border fencing and interacted with Jawans guarding the international border. I along with the Chief Minister chaired the Unified Command meeting in Srinagar and reviewed the security situation in the State. I also met senior police and army officers. I also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine and met public.
29. I visited the Indo-Bangladesh Border from 19.10.2012 to 20.10.2012. I started from Dubri in Assam and then travelled by boat in river Brahmaputra crossing riverine Border Out Post (B.O.P) Mahamayachar and landed at Shishumara B.O.P. Thereafter I travelled by road alongside international boundary and inspected the fencing, floodlighting and Border Roads, before taking off from Mankachar. I have instructed the concerned agencies to address all the gaps because of the riverine terrain urgently through technology, so as to ensure better surveillance. I also interacted with BSF Jawans and discussed their problems and hardships.
30. On the Western borders, on 24th March, 2013, I visited Harami Nala and BP 1175 in the Kutch area of Gujarat State. I sat inside All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and visited the last post of the BSF. I interacted with the BSF officers and Jawans at the Post.
31. On 27th March, 2013, I visited Jaisalmer sector in Rajasthan and visited Tanot BOP and discussed the problems of BSF Jawans. I also played the colourful Holi with BSF officers and Jawans.
Coastal Police Station/Jeetties
32. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been implementing Coastal Security Scheme in phases (Phase-I -2005 to 2011 and Phase-II – 2011 – 2015) with a view to strengthen the infrastructure of the Marine Police Force and patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas, particularly shallow areas close to the coast. The scheme also aims at establishing institutional arrangements at State and District level for coordination among various agencies including the Coast Guard and the Navy. Under the Phase-II of the Scheme (over a period of 5 years at a cost of Rs.1,580 crore), it has been proposed to provide 131 Marine Police Stations, 60 jetties, 10 Marine Operation Centres, 150 boats (12 Tons), 20 boats (5 Tons), 20 (19 mtr.) boats, 35 Rigid Inflatable Boats, 10 large vessels (for Andaman and Nicobar Islands), 131 four wheelers and 242 motorcycles. Against an allocation of Rs.1580 crore for five years under Phase-II, Rs.97.57 crores has already been released to coastal States/UTs for starting the construction work, purchase of vehicles and operatioalisation of coastal police stations.
33. Land identification of 130 out of 131 Coastal Police Stations sanctioned under Coastal Security has been finalized and land acquisition process in 130 cases has been initiated. Land has been acquired in 87 cases. Land identification for 44 Jetties out of 60 Jetties have been done by Coastal States/UTs. Further Land has been acquired for 10 Jetties. Land has also been identified for all the 10 Marine Police operational Centers for A&N Island.
BORDER ROADS, FENCING AND FLOOD LIGHTING
34. Government has sanctioned 27 ITBP priority roads along Indo-China border totaling 805 Km, against which 564.90 Km formation and 273.61 Km surfacing has been completed as on date. Against the sanctioned 3359.59 Km of fencing along Indo-Bangladesh border, 2784.41 Km of fencing has been completed. Against the sanctioned 2840.90 Km of floodlighting along Indo-Bangladesh border, 1535 Km of flood lighting has been completed. Against the sanctioned 4407.11 Km of roads along Indo-Bangladesh border, 3585.53 Km has been completed. The Government has sanctioned 2043.63 Km of fencing along Indo-Pakistan border, out of which 1958.50 Km has been completed. The Government has sanctioned 2009.52 Km of floodlighting along Indo-Pakistan border, out of which 1900.92 Km has been completed.
35. Gujarat Sector: In Gujarat Sector, along Indo-Pakistan Border, against the sanctioned length of 340 Km of fencing, 261.78 Km have been completed; against sanctioned 340 Km of border roads, 261.28 Km has been completed and against the 340 Km of flood lighting, 244 Km has been completed. Against 70 BOPs, 51 BOPs have been completed and the work is in progress in 15 BOPs. 04 BOP locations are submerged and inaccessible.
36. Indo-Myanmar Border: We plan to implement a Project for creation of border Infrastructure i.e. construction of 4585 Km of roads, 113 helipads and two helibases, along Indo-Myanmar Border during the period 2013-2025 in two phases. In Phase I ( during 2013-18 ) construction of 1417 Km roads, 56 helipads and two helibases will be undertaken. The work of construction of remaining 3168 Km roads and 57 helipads will be taken up in Phase II from 2018-2025 after completion of Phase I.
37. Indo-Nepal Border: The Government has approved construction and upgradation of 1377 km of roads along Indo-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Rs. 3853 crore. DPR for 552.30 km of road in Bihar have been approved by High Level Empowered Committee (HLEC) and work for 482 km has been awarded. DPR for 248 km of road in Uttar Pradesh have been approved by HLEC.
BILATERAL CO-OPERATION
38. India-Bangladesh relations: Home Minister level talks between India and Bangladesh were held in December, 2012 at New Delhi and in January, 2013 at Dhaka. In the Home Minister level talks held at Dhaka in January, 2013, the Extradition Treaty and the Revised Travel Agreement were signed between the two countries. Besides, Home Secretary level talks and meeting of Joint Working Group between India and Bangladesh were held in October, 2012 at Dhaka and on 19th July, 2013 at New Delhi to discuss the security and border management related issues.
39. India-Myanmar relations: National level meeting between India and Myanmar was held in December, 2012 at New Delhi to discuss security and border management related matters between two countries. Sectoral level meeting between the two countries was held in June, 2013 in Myanmar.
40. Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in Prevention and Elimination of Consequences of Emergencies: On 10th April, 2013, the Government of India and the Government of Russian Federation signed a Regulation defining the structure, functions and procedure of the Joint Commission, which was established by an Agreement signed on 21st December, 2010 in New Delhi in the field of Emergency Management. This will enable both the countries to help each other in the field of prevention and elimination of the consequences of emergency situations.
41. New Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan: A new Visa Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan on 8th September, 2012 to facilitate travel for the nationals of both countries desirous of travelling to the other country and to promote people to people contact. This new Visa Agreement was operationalized on 14th December, 2012.
42. Revised Travel Arrangements between India and Bangladesh: In order to liberalize the existing Visa Regime between India and Bangladesh and with a view to removing certain difficulties faced by the nationals of either country in obtaining visa, the Revised Travel Arrangements (RTA) between India and Bangladesh was signed at Dhaka on 28th January, 2013 by me with the Home Minister of Bangladesh. The Visa free regime has been agreed on reciprocal basis for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports for a period up to 45 days of stay. Grant of double entry visa valid for a maximum period of three months can be granted to Bangladeshi nationals applying visa for third countries, whose representative Missions are concurrently accredited to Bangladesh from India. It also provides for medical visa, long term multiple employment visa and multiple entry student visa etc. Necessary Circular amending the provisions in the Visa Manual to incorporate the provisions of the new RTA was issued on 12th February, 2013.
43. Sri Lanka: On January 22, 2013, the Agreement on Combating International Terrorism and Illicit Drug Trafficking between India and Sri Lanka was signed in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister signed the Agreement on behalf of Government of India.
44. Azerbaijan: On 4th April 2013, a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed between India and Azerbaijan in New Delhi. The Treaty was signed by me on behalf of Government of India and by Mr. Fikrat Mammadov, Hon’ble Minister of Justice on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
45. Maldives: On 25th September, 2012, I held bilateral meetings separately with Home Ministers of Bhutan, Maldives and Pakistan during my visit to Maldives, to attend the 5th Meeting of SAARC Home Ministers held there. In the meetings, bilateral security issues of mutual interest were discussed. On 26th September, 2012 an MoU for setting up Police Academy in Maldives by Government of India was signed by me with the Home Minister of Maldives. In the 5th meeting of SAARC Home Ministers, the issues pertaining to terrorism, trafficking in women and children, trafficking in Narcotic Drugs immigration /visa issues, tackling cyber crime in the region and Maritime and Security issues were discussed.
46. Russia: On April 10-12, 2013, Indian delegation led by me visited Russia and met the Delegation of Government of Russia led by Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister of Internal Security and Mr.Vladimir Puchkov, Minister for Emergency Situation. Discussions were held on bilateral security matters between India and Russia. The delegation also visited various security related installations in Moscow to see the best practices in the relevant fields. I signed a Regulation related to Agreement for Cooperation in the field of Emergency Management with Mr.Vladimir Puchkov, Minister for Emergency Situation.
47. USA: From 20th May to 22nd May, 2013, I led a Government of India delegation to USA and held 2nd Round of Homeland Security Dialogue with USA on 21st May, 2013. Government of USA Delegation was led by Ms. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security. During the visit, I also met Director, FBI and the Attorney General of USA and held talks on bilateral security matters. The GoI Delegation also visited security related sites in Washington DC and also visited Boston which was the site of the recent bomb attack.
48. I had discussions in New Delhi, on bilateral matters relating to security, immigration issues, with (i) Mr. John Baird, Foreign Minister of Canada (on 12th September, 2012, (ii) a Government of UK Delegation, led by Home Secretary, Ms. Theresa May (on 27.11.2012), (iii) Mr. Abba Moro, Hon’ble Minister of Interior of Nigeria (on 12th December, 2012), (iv) Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (on 19th December, 2012), (v) Mr. Jason Kenney, Immigration Minister of Canada (on 10th January, 2013), (vi) Mr. Mohamed Nazim, Minister of Defence, Government of Maldives (on 16th April, 2013), (vii) Mr. Rand Beers, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, Government of USA (on June 24, 2013).
UTTARAKHAND DISASTER OF JUNE 2013
49. Recently, the State of Uttarakhand witnessed a severe disaster due to heavy rainfall, cloud brusts and landslides on 16-17 June 2013. All the 13 districts of Uttarakhand were affected. The disaster was so massive that 580 people lost their lives, while 4473 people were injured. Besides over 5526 people are missing. This was the position as on 20th July, 2013. The number of people who lost their lives may further rise, as the debris is cleared. We immediately moved into action to supplement the efforts of the State Government. On 22.6.2013, I visited Uttarakhand along with Vice Chairman, NDMA, Member of NDMA (Shri V.K. Duggal), Union Home Secretary and other officers and reviewed the progress of search, rescue and relief operations. On 28.6.2013, I again visited Uttarakhand along with Vice Chairman, NDMA, Chief of Army Staff and Union Home Secretary. In a massive rescue operation 1,10,000 persons were rescued.
50. Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 2.00 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000/ each to injured persons from Prime Minister Relief Fund. In addition to Rs. 1.00 lakh each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs. 50,000/- each to those whose houses have been damaged, the Hon’ble Prime Minister also announced assistance of Rs. 1000 crore. Accordingly, Rs. 145 crore from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) were released to the State Government on 20th June 2013. In addition, Rs. 250 crore on an ‘on account’ basis were released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the State on 19th July 2013.
CRIME AND CRIMINAL TRACKING NETWORK & SYSTEMS
51. Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Mission Mode Scheme was approved in 2009 with a provision of Rs 2000 Crores as a 100 % Centrally Sponsored Scheme to be implemented during 2009-2012. This has now been extended up to 31st March 2015. A Pilot launch of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) was launched on 4th January 2013, which earmarked connectivity of nearly 2000 CCTNS locations in 25 States/UTs. The implementation of the project has picked up and till date contracts with System Integrators have been signed in 31 States/UTs, 10219 CCTNS sites have been prepared and 6851 sites have been commissioned against the target of 21895 sites and over 2.23 crore past cases have been digitized against the target of 6.09 crore cases. As part of Capacity Building under CCTNS, over 2.20 lakh persons were imparted training.
IMMIGRATION VISA AND FOREIGNERS REGISTRATION AND TRACKING
52. Integrated online visa application system (under the Mission Mode Project on Immigration Visa and Foreigners Registration and Tracking) has been operationalised at 120 Indian Missions abroad.
STRENGTHENING OF CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES
53. An amount of Rs. 516.30 crore has been sanctioned to the CAPFs for acquisition of 3921.66 acres of land and an amount of Rs.2449.54 crore has been sanctioned to CAPFs for construction of office/residential buildings during the period of Aug 2012 to till 18th July 2013. In addition, the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared the Infrastructure proposals of CAPFs of Rs. 12499 crore.
54. In May 2013, a Modernisation Plan-II has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) which would be executed over the period upto 2016-17, with the budget allocation of Rs.11,009.19 crore. It has been endeavored that the ‘Jawans’ remain the focal point of the modernization and they are enabled to obtain the best possible training and equipment. The major items covered under the Scheme are surveillance equipment, MPVs/ bullet resistant vehicles, effective communication equipment, lethal and non-lethal weapons, B.P. Jackets and helmets, scanners, weapons simulators, protective equipment, etc. Proposals have been moved for allocation of sufficient funds in the current financial year for implementation of the Plan.
55. 33 Bns of CAPFs have been raised during 2011-12 and 2012-13 [(2011-12- BSF-7, CRPF-4, SSB-8); (2012-13- BSF-2, CRPF-4, ITBP-4, SSB-4)]. During the period, we have sanctioned raising of 23 Mahila Platoon in ITBP. 3029 posts in various ranks have been sanctioned in CISF for providing security to Government buildings, industrial units in Public Sector, joint venture and private units.
56. As a welfare measure, on 1st November, 2012, Government approved the proposal to designate the retired Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel as “Ex-Central Armed Police Force (Ex-CAPF personnel)”. It shall boost the moral and motivation level of the CAPF personnel and enable the various State Governments to provide specific benefits to the retired CAPFs personnel.
MODERNISATION OF STATE POLICE FORCES
57. The Scheme for Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) has been extended for a further period of five years with effect from the financial year 2012-13 to 2016-17, with funding partly under Non-Plan and partly under Plan. The items required by the State Police under mobility, weapons, equipment, training equipment, forensic equipment are funded under Non-Plan. The construction/upgradation of police stations/outposts, police lines, police housing, forensic science laboratories and training infrastructure, construction of buildings are funded under Plan budget.
58. Under the Scheme, an allocation of Rs. 8195.53 crore has been approved under Non-Plan and Rs.3750.87 crore under Plan during the XII Plan period (2012-13 – 2016-17). In the current year, outlay for MPF Scheme is Rs.750 crore under Non-Plan and Rs.1097 crore under Plan. Mega City Policing in six cities namely, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru has been approved as a sub-set under Non-Plan component of MPF Scheme. An additional allocation of Rs.432.90 crore has been approved for Mega City Policing to be provided in two years.
POLICE TRAINING
59. Sanction amounting to Rs. 281 Crore for construction of Central Academy for Police Training (CAPT), Bhopal by CPWD, Bhopal was issued on 07th December, 2012. The Academy would impart basic training to directly recruited Dy. SPs and Addl. SPs of the States and also address the training needs of our friendly countries. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the scheme of Central Detective Training School at Ghaziabad on 25th March 2013 at a cost of Rs. 65.14 crore and sanction was issued on 25th April 2013. A scheme for upgradation of Police Training Institutes of CAPFs at a cost of Rs. 34.32 crore during 12th Plan has also been approved. The Ministry of Home Affairs also released Rs 28.40 crore for creating/ upgrading infrastructure in North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA).
MERCY PETITIONS
60. During the past one year 14 mercy petitions cases of 19 death convicts have been decided. Out of these 14 cases, 13 cases of mercy petitions have been rejected and one case has been commuted to life imprisonment. In two terrorist cases of Amir Kasab and Afzal, the sentence of death was executed on 21.11.2012 and 09.02.2013 respectively. This will give a strong signal to the terrorists and perpetrators of heinous, brutal and diabolical murders. The execution in 10 cases has however been stayed by the courts and in one case the execution is pending due to the health condition of the convict. Government is vigorously persuing these cases in the courts.
STATE MATTERS
61. The Constitution (Ninety Eighth Amendment) Act, 2013: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on 3rd August, 2012 approved 118th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2012 to insert a new Article 371-J in the Constitution to provide for special provision in respect of reservation in public employment, education and vocational education to the domiciles of erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka Areas of the State of Karnataka and additionally Bellary district. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 7th September, 2012. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was passed by both the Houses of Parliament on 19-20th December 2012. The Act was notified on 02.01.2013
62. ZERO FIR: On 10th May, 2013, an advisory was issued to the States and Union Territories that police shall register an FIR or a ‘Zero FIR’ upon receipt of information of the commission of a cognizable offence irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. If it is found that case relates to the jurisdiction of some other police station, the FIR can be transferred to the police station in which the case falls.
63. Demand for a separate State of Telangana: The demand for formation of a separate State of Telangana has been raised time and again since the formation of the State of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. The Government of India has intervened time and again to bring about an amicable settlement among all the stakeholders. In the recent past the demand for the Telangana State regenerated with a lot of renewed vigour and force. In this regard, I held an all-party meeting of State leaders on 28.12.2012 to arrive at a consensus. The Congress Working Committee on 30th July, 2013 had resolved to request the Central Government to:
a) take steps to form a separate State of Telangana,
b) establish a mechanism for the sharing of resources, water, power etc.,
c) declare Hyderabad as a common capital for at least 10 years,
d) Provide assistance for the building of a new capital for Andhra Pradesh,
e) Declare the Polavaram Irrigation Project as a national project and provide funds for completion,
f) Identify special needs of backward regions/districts and provide adequate funds for development.
As a consensus has been reached on the future of the State of Andhra Pradesh, the Central Government is actively considering the resolution of the Congress Working Committee and the Union Cabinet will be briefed shortly on the issue.
WOMEN
65. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Much before the horrendous rape case of 16th December 2012 in Delhi, Government had finalized the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 4.12.2012. After the horrendous rape case of the 16th December 2012, a Committee headed by Justice J. S. Verma, former Chief Justice of Supreme Court was set up on 23rd December, 2012 to give recommendations on amending laws to provide for speedy justice and enhanced punishment for criminals in sexual assault cases. The Justice Verma Committee in its Report submitted on the 23rd January 2013, agreed to most of the provisions of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012. Government wanted to amend criminal laws affecting women immediately and since the Parliament was not in session, the Criminal Law (amendment) Ordinance, 2013 was promulgated on 03.02.2013. In the Budget Session, the Criminal Law [Amendment] Bill, 2013 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 19th March, 2013 and by the Rajya Sabha on 21st March, 2013. The President of India has accorded his assent to the Bill on 2nd April, 2013.
66. Substantive amendments in IPC, Cr. P. C and Indian Evidence Act have been made to effectively deal with the crime against women. Sentence of death has been provided as punishment in case of rape followed by death or vegetative state of the victim. For the first time acid attack, human trafficking, voyeurism, stalking etc. have been included as a specific offence and severe punishment has been prescribed. Non- treatment of victims of rape and acid attack by the hospitals (Government/ Private) has been made punishable. The police has been made accountable and disobeying of any directions of law (like not recording of FIR) has been made punishable. Adequate provisions have been made to protect the women victim from harassment and humiliation during investigation and trial.
67. Justice Ms. Usha Mehra Commission of Inquiry: In pursuance to the Statement made by me on 22nd December, 2012 subsequent to the unfortunate incident of gang rape on 16th December, 2012, a Commission of Inquiry consisting of Ms. Usha Mehra, a retired Judge of Delhi High Court under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 was appointed on 26.12.2012 to look into the various aspects of this incident and to suggest measures to improve the security and safety of women. The Commission forwarded their recommendations/ observations on 22nd February, 2013. The recommendations are broadly for improvement in public transport system and associated infrastructure, improved institutional and legal mechanisms to support/ assist victims, incorporation of gender sensitization in education curriculum etc. Action Taken Report on the recommendations of Justice (Ms) Usha Mehra Commission’s report is being finalized.
NCT DELHI
68. Vehicles and Posts sanctioned to Delhi Police: With a view to further strengthening the Delhi Police, 370 vehicles to be used as PCR Vans have been sanctioned to Delhi Police in February, 2013. Additionally, between 01.04.2013 to 30.06.2013 sanction for 11 Big Jail Vans, five Mini Jail Vans, seven TATA Safari Vehicles, three TATA Starbuses, twelve Toyota Innova vehicles have been sanctioned to Delhi Police against condemned vehicles. Ministry of Home Affairs have also conveyed the approval for creation of 1084 posts in Delhi Police exclusively for Women Police personnel, in March, 2013. A Task Force set up under Union Home Secretary periodically monitors Law & Order situation in the NCT of Delhi including Women and children related issues, Traffic and Transport related issues etc.
69. CCTV Surveillance System in NCT Delhi: In 2nd phase the provision of installation of CCTVs Surveillance System at 38 markets places/border check posts at a total cost of Rs.148.83 crore was made. Installation work of CCTV Surveillance System at six Police Stations in phase-II (b) at a total cost of Rs.88.87 crore has been awarded to M/s ECIL. Work for installation of CCTV Surveillance System at five District Courts at a total cost of Rs.20.74 crore, Supreme Court of India at a total cost of Rs.4.18 crore, High Court of Delhi at a total cost of Rs 4.16 crore, L.G House at a total cost of Rs.2.28 crore and V.P. House at a total cost of Rs.2.75 core have also been awarded. While the work at five District Courts, High Court and Supreme Court has been completed, other works are in progress.
NARCOTICS
70. During the period from 01.08.2012 to 15.07.2013, the Narcotics Control Bureau seized 239 kg of Opium, 251 kg Heroine, 3832 kg Ganja, 190 kg Hashish, 3 kg Cocaine, 47 kg Methaqualone, 33 kg Amphetamines, 4881 kg Ephedrine and 380 kg Acetic Anhydride. Ketamine manufacturing facility in Maharashtra (August- 2012), Illicit Methamphetamine Lab in Tamil Nadu and Multi-drug Manufacturing Laboratory in Rajasthan were busted during the period.
71. During the same period, NCB in coordination with State law enforcement authorities have destroyed 901 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Further, 952 acres of illicit cannabis were destroyed in the States of Odisha, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER (NPR)
72. The task of creating National Population Register (NPR) has been taken up for the first time in India. The data collection for the National Population Register in all the States/UTs has been completed along with first phase of Population Census 2011. Data digitization (in English and regional languages) has been completed for more than 117.32 crore persons. The Capture of biometrics under NPR for the country is in progress and as on date biometrics have been collected for more than 16.4 crore persons. The field work for creating the National Population Register (NPR) in 3331 coastal villages has been completed. More than 65.4 lakh cards have been produced and dispatched, to the usual residents of age 18 years and above, in these areas.”
Tags:
Shri Sushilkumar Shinde
By:
Staff Reporter
Inputs:
Press Information Bureau