A second India Reserve Battalion (IRB) for the State in the 12th Plan is under the active consideration of the Centre, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.
He was speaking after taking salute at the passing-out parade of 250 recruit civil police officers of the India Reserve Battalion (Regular Wing) at the Kerala Police Academy Parade Ground, Ramavarmapuram, near here, on Tuesday.
“Shortage of trained personnel for disaster management is a problem faced by the State. The IRB can provide valuable service in emergency situations,” the Chief Minister said. Mr. Chandy said the State had demanded a second IRB. The Centre had promised to consider the demand in the 12th Plan, he added.
The IRB is a special police battalion raised on the lines of Central paramilitary forces to deal with insurgency/terrorism, disaster, riots, and to protect the life and property of people. Kerala had one of the 15 IRBs in the country with regular and commando wings. The administrative control of the force was vested with the State government. The training of the IRB included two phases (9 moths each). The first phase would be in the State and the second would be with the Army and Central paramilitary forces.
The Chief Minister presented awards to the best performers. The investigation team and special prosecutor of the Soumya rape and murder case were honoured at the function. Appreciating the team for the speedy disposal of the case, the Chief Minister said the death penalty in the case was a warning against such heinous acts.
