Maharashtra Police get new bulletproof jackets, wireless devices and more
What's the story
In a much-needed move, Maharashtra Police have acquired new body armor, including 4,600 bullet-proof jackets, and advanced gadgets.
Most of these would go to its special forces formed after the deadly 26/11 attacks. Three top cops had died then when bullets pierced through their substandard body armor.
The new jackets have been "thoroughly tested", a senior official said. Find more details here.
Acquisition
New acquisitions will give cops a much-needed edge
Among Maharashtra Police's latest acquisitions are bullet-proof jackets made by M Kumar Udyog, a renowned Kanpur-based manufacturer.
They have been given to Force 1, quick response team, the C-60 Cobra battalion, and commandos in anti-Naxal operations and other assignments.
They have also acquired local wireless systems with repeaters, which sources say will provide uninterrupted communication even in places with poor network, like underground tunnels.
CAG
CAG earlier rapped the government for severely-lacking resources with cops
In August, a CAG report said Maharashtra Police lacked resources and infrastructure needed for carrying out daily responsibilities.
Compared to its need of 21,765 vehicles, it had only 14,317, a shortage of 5,797 vehicles.
There was a shortage of drivers too. In nine districts, there were just 5,174 drivers against the needed 8,933.
The force lacked 65,026 modern weapons too.
Delays
Inefficiency and scams had halted the process
The report said Maharashtra had spent only 38% of funds for the Modernization of Police Force scheme.
The CAG attributed it to "delays in preparation and submission of Annual Action Plan to the central government" leading to delays in release of funds.
The proposal for acquisition of new bullet-proof jackets was floated soon after 26/11, but a scam in the tender process delayed it.