Punjab Police has formulated a rewards policy for the government servants and informers under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The move, which came after the directives of the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, is aimed at further strengthening the campaign against drugs, whose progress is now being monitored by the Chief Minister personally as head of the newly constituted consultative group for the scheme.
Capt Amarinder had, at a recent review meeting with top Special Task Force (STF) and administrative brass, asked the Police Department to draft a comprehensive policy document in this regard.
A clear and concise policy will facilitate granting cash rewards in NDPS Act cases in an equitable and transparent manner to all those engaged in eradication of drug abuse, the Chief Minister had said.
Under the policy, informers whose information leads to seizure of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances or controlled substances, besides the forfeiture of illegally acquired property, would be suitably rewarded.
Officers or officials of the Central Government or the State Government (Police, Prosecutors, Officers of enforcement agencies of the Central Government) who make seizures or conduct successful investigation or ensure successful prosecution or achieve successful forfeiture of illegally acquired property under Chapter V-A would also be considered for reward, as per the policy.
A three-member committee in each district, unit or department, headed by the Head of Office, would be examining the cases based on the prescribed guidelines and make recommendations to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), STF, for grant of reward.
The recommendations will be scrutinized by a committee of officers at STF Headquarters and put up to ADGP (STF), the spokesperson stated.
ADGP (STF) has been mandated to confirm rewards up to Rs 60,000, while for all amounts above that the DGP Punjab would be the final authority.
Government officers or officials will normally be eligible for 50 percent of the maximum reward mentioned in policy.
Rewards in excess of this limit may be considered only in cases where the government officer or official has exposed himself or herself to a great personal hazard or displayed exemplary courage, commendable initiative or resourcefulness of an extraordinary nature or where his or her personal efforts have been mainly responsible for the detection of case of seizure.