The Maharashtra government today told the Centre that it is not able to get trained manpower for its coastal patrol boats which were sanctioned and deployed in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
“Mumbai being the financial capital of India is extremely vulnerable to terror attacks,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said at the internal security conference of Chief Ministers here.
He also demanded funds from the Centre for appointment of Special Police Officers (SPOs) for coastal security related duties.
“Under security related expenditure of coastal districts, the Centre may provide funds for appointing special police officers. Members of gram suraksha and sagar rakshak dal can be engaged for this purpose. There are 887 coastal villages and there should be at least three SPOs for round-the-clock vigil along the coast. We are finding it difficult to get technically trained adequate manpower for these boats,” he said.
The State has also asked the government to sanction Rs 22 crore for creating a jungle warfare and counter-insurgency school at Nagpur and also sanction satellite phones and helicopters for the aid of security personnel deployed in naxal affected areas of the State.
Mr. Chavan sought the Centre’s help to procure 20 mine protected vehicles priced at Rs 16 crore each and Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGLs), an essential weapon for security forces.
“Since it (UBGL) is the product of the Ordnance Factory, we need the assistance of the Government of India to get delivery at the earliest,” he said.
Mr. Chavan also asked the government to make arrangements and send a helicopter, currently parked at Raipur in Chhattisgarh, to Nagpur for security and anti-naxal operations.
He wanted mobile connectivity for Gadchiroli, a major naxal-affected district in the State.
“Purely from business point of view, establishing mobile connectivity in this (Gadchiroli) area may not be a commercial viable proposition. I would request the Government of India to direct the BSNL to establish transmission towers in the entire district as per requirement to make mobile connectivity available throughout the district.
“Till such time, these towers are erected, satellite phones would be the only way to remain in touch with taluka sub-divisions and district headquarters. We plan installation of satellite phones in required locations after obtaining approval from the Government of India,” he said.
Mr. Chavan said in order to strengthen the State intelligence department, the government has given sanction to fill through direct recruitment 50 per cent posts of Assistant Intelligence Officer and Senior Intelligence Officer.
