Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik on Wednesday said the Centre has decided not to release grant to Odisha from the current fiscal for modernisation of the State Police.
A discussion on the matter was held at the State Secretariat in which Marik, Additional Secretary for Finance R Balkrishnan and senior officials of the Home Department were present. According to Marik, the Centre has been providing Rs 127 crore for the past 15 years for the modernisation of the police force which include mobility, equipment and infrastructure. “We will urge the Centre to reconsider its decision to stop providing such financial assistance,” he added.
The DGP said the issue was discussed at the State-level empowered committee meeting at the Secretariat about the impact the State will have under the changed circumstances. Sources said the DGP in the meeting suggested the State Government to make alternative arrangement and mobilise its own resources as the State Police would not get the grant from the Centre. After the meeting, Marik told reporters the Government has assured to provide all necessary assistance for the development of police force.
