NEW DELHI: Even though internal security remains a major concern in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, an RTI reply has revealed that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs released meager funds only for modernising and strengthening J&K police from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
The RTI revelation comes at a time when the assembly elections commenced in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade and five years after the abrogation of Article 370. Double-layer security is being deployed in J&K as there is a surge in the number of terrorist and militant attacks.
As per the RTI document, under the modernization of the police forces scheme, in 2019-20, out of Rs. 40.20 crores released, J&K only utilised Rs. 23.3 crores.
Kerala-based RTI campaigner K. Govindan Nampoothiry obtained these details.
Interestingly, no funds were given to J&K during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.
In 2022-23, though Rs. 6.65 crore was allocated, but no amount was released. In 2023-24, 0.33 crore was released out of Rs. 3.53 crore allocated to the UT.
In 2022-23, 0.33 crore was released out of 0.66 crore allocated for Ladakh. In 2023-24, 0.62 crore was released out of 0.58 crore allocated said the RTI document.
Upgrade Policing
Govindan Nampoothiry pointed out that many states under utilise central funds allotted for modernising police forces has arrested development. The amount allocated by various states for modernisation from their state budget is abysmal.
“Policing needs to be modernised promptly considering the necessity of the society as well as to tackle internal threats. It will also help to reduce work pressure on police personnel. In many states, police officers are doing overtime which results in mental trauma, suicide and internal scuffle between police personnel,” he said.
Despite back-to-back terror attacks, Jammu & Kashmir’s lethargic attitude in utilising police modernisation funds is evident, pointed out Govindan.
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