The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Naxal problem curtailed: Shivraj Patil

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Naxal problem curtailed: Shivraj Patil

Special Correspondent

Union Home Minister reviews NPA’s 60th anniversary parade

Rs. 500 crore for infrastructure development in naxalite-affected States
Union Home Minister announces Rs. 1 crore grant to NPA welfare fund

-Photo: P. V. Sivakumar

VIP visit: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil arrives at SVP National Police Academy in Hyderabad on Friday.

HYDERABAD: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil expressed satisfaction that the naxalite problem in Andhra Pradesh has been curtailed by 60 to 70 per cent due to effective steps taken by the State police machinery.

Speaking to mediapersons after reviewing a parade to mark the 60th anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (NPA) here on Thursday, Mr. Patil said the Centre was keen that the Andhra Pradesh model be replicated in other naxalite-affected States.

Weaning youth

Towards this end, the Centre on Wednesday decided to release Rs. 500 crore for infrastructure and economic development programmes to wean away youth from naxalism in such States.

These governments were also asked to spend the amount to strengthen police forces and modernise equipment.

The States of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand expressed willingness to use the money for which it was sanctioned.

Mr. Patil said efforts were being made to increase the strength of Central and para-military forces to check naxalite activities across the country.

The Central government wanted to meet the challenge two-fold – deployment of police forces and improvement of infrastructure in less developed States. It wanted to develop agriculture and generate employment as part of establishing a well-balanced social structure.

Mid-career training

Addressing the Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers who participated in the diamond jubilee parade earlier, Mr. Patil said the government would soon start mid-career training for IPS officers. It would be a mandatory and in-service course at three levels to upgrade their professional skills.

The courses would be offered in the best institutions of the country and abroad to expose them to advances in police professionalism.

Mr. Patil announced a Rs. 1 crore grant to NPA towards its welfare fund. He assured that the government would take care to ensure that the academy remained the best in the world.

He asked the trainees to keep cool in the face of provocation.

The National Police Academy Director G.S. Rajagopal also spoke. Intelligence Bureau Director P.C. Haldar and Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home M.L. Kumawat were present.

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