CRPF is facing a “significant shortage” of bulletproof helmets, with the scarcity of the key protective headgear standing at a staggering 98 per cent of the requirement, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary admitted to the shortage in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha to a question if there is a significant scarcity of bulletproof helmets or patkas in the CRPF.
“Against an authorisation of 1,22,485 bulletproof helmets, CRPF is holding 1,852 bulletproof patka/helmets. The reason for the deficiency is non-availability of bulletproof helmets with desired protection level against 7.62 mm bullet in the market,” Chaudhary said.