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Houses for security people, says Shivraj Patil

Staff Reporter

Minister calls for scientific approach

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil inspects the guard of honour during the 44th Raising Day celebrations of Sashastra Seema Bal in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday said the Government was seriously looking into the housing problems of security personnel posted in high-altitude and difficult terrain.

Speaking at the 44th anniversary of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) here, Mr. Patil said the Government was of the view that the housing should be based on a scientific approach. Use of pre-fabricated material was being contemplated.

Stating that it would take time to address the problem, Mr. Patil said other suggestions, including that of cooperative housing projects, were also being considered. There were plans to provide insurance cover to security personnel and the Ministry was also working on welfare measures for retired personnel. The Government would extend more funds to the SSB for the welfare programmes.

The Minister said that the SSB was fast emerging as a modern and potent force. The pace with which the force raised 20 new battalions was commendable. He expressed happiness that the force would complete the task of setting up all of its outposts by March 2008. He praised the SSB for establishing its Information Technology and Training Centre in neighbouring Faridabad in November last.

SSB Director-General Tilak Kak said that in 2005 the Government had sanctioned Rs.444.43 crore for augmentation and modernisation of the SSB and the entire amount had been utilised in purchasing arms, modern communication instruments, transportation and other gadgets. The video-conferencing system, introduced in the force last year, would soon inter-connect all the frontiers, sectors and battalion headquarters.

Mr. Kak said the Government had sanctioned dog squads to the force and so far 46 trained dogs had been deployed.

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