Indian Homeland Security News and Updates

Budget allocation amongst paramilitary forces.

Allocation for Central Reserve Paramilitary Force (CRPF) was up 26 per cent to Rs. 6973.86 crore ($1.4 billion). The Border Security Force (BSF) guarding the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the country’s 6,622 kms border with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, received 20.06 per cent increased allocation to Rs. 6488.14 crore ($1.3 billion). The Central Industrial Reserve Force (CISF) allocation was up 21.47 per cent to Rs. 2430.98 crore ($500 million). They have the additional responsibility of guarding Indian missions abroad and companies seeking security.

While Assam Rifles, operating in insurgency-hit Northeast, received Rs. 2329.11 crore ($470 million), an increase of 34 per cent funds this fiscal, Delhi Police received Rs. 7359.38 crore ($1.47 billion) for Commonwealth Games security requirements.

The recent unprecedented casualty in Maoist violence is forcing Central paramilitary forces to revamp the procurement process for security equipment. Senior officers said they were planning to purchase a large quantity of landmine-proof vehicles and lighter bullet-proof jackets, besides new-generation helmets.

The proposal was to buy at least 80 anti-landmine vehicles. Presently, the forces have 19 anti-landmine vehicles, all deployed in Kashmir, the northeast and Maoist affected states. The idea is to make it "easier for troops to hunt down Maoists in jungles without the fear of underground explosives," a senior home ministry official.

The forces are also planning to buy 10,000 bullet-proof jackets and 10,000 bullet-proof helmets. "Bulletproof jackets and helmets are extremely important because they give a sense of security to our men facing hardened terrorists and 10,000 armed Maoists who have started using sophisticated weapons," the officer said.