The criteria determined for inter-State distribution of funds by the Government in the year 2005 include (i) population (35% weightage), (ii) sanctioned strength of police force (25% weightage), (iii) number of police stations (15% weightage) and (iv) incidence of crime per lakh population (25%  weightage).

Modernisation of police forces is a continuous and ongoing process. ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per  Seventh  Schedule  to the Constitution of India. However, to supplement the efforts of the States for equipping and modernizing their police forces, under the scheme of ‘Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police’ {erstwhile scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)}, the States have been provided central assistance for acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication, police buildings, police housing, mobility, and forensic equipment etc. as per the proposals of the State Governments  in accordance with their strategic priorities and requirements. Funds for ‘mobility’ and ‘construction of police infrastructure including housing’ are permitted in cases of insurgency affected North Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts. This scheme being a centrally sponsored scheme, funding ratio is 90:10, Central : State, in case of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and 8 North Eastern States including Sikkim and funding ratio is 60:40, Central : State,  in case of the remaining States.

So far as implementation is concerned, the progress is regularly reviewed.  The progress of implementation is also followed up through fora like meetings of Zonal Council and Inter-State Council. Further, the implementation is also monitored through meetings and video  conferences   with   the   officers   of  the   State   Governments  and  State  Police Forces. The implementation is also reviewed by the High Powered Committee which approves proposals of the State Governments. To curb corruption/irregularities, the office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regularly audits expenditure under the Scheme at the end of police directorates. In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs conducts Concurrent Audit of the Scheme and release of funds has been linked with submission of Action Taken Report (ATR) on the observations of concurrent audit reports by the State Governments.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NW/RK/PK/AD/DDD/1017