The Hindu : National : CRPF launches modernisation plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 16, 2004

National

National

CRPF launches modernisation plan

By Our Staff Reporter

KANNUR, OCT. 15. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has taken up a five-year plan aimed at improving its weaponry, equipment, mobility, communication system and training.

Larger role

"According to `One Border-One Force,' as envisioned by the Kargil Review Committee and recommendations of the Group of Ministers, the process of taking over the entire counter-insurgency role by [the] CRPF has already begun'', the CRPF Director-General, J.K. Sinha, said at a press conference after laying the foundation stone for the barracks at the Recruit Training Centre (RTC) at Peringome, near here, last night. The modernisation plan, estimated to cost Rs. 543 crores, had been initiated to deal with the challenges posed by terrorists and extremists.

Mr. Sinha said the process of phasing out the 7.62 mm self-loading rifles and replacing them with AK assault rifles and 5.56 mm INSAS weapon system had started. Also, the personnel were being equipped with night vision devices, lightweight bulletproof jackets and mine detectors.

New battalions

As part of its efforts to take over counter-insurgency operations, the CRPF had replaced five Border Security Force (BSF) battalions in Manipur and eight battalions in Srinagar. Replacement of two Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and four Special Security Bureau battalions in the Valley had been completed. Two remaining ITBP battalions would be replaced soon.

The CRPF was setting up its own intelligence apparatus. The first phase of computerisation, estimated to cost Rs. 41 crores, had also been launched.

The CRPF was raising 64 new battalions to meet the increasing demand. While 17 battalions had been raised in the last two years, the recruitment process for raising 22 battalions was over. The number of battalions would cross 200 with the raising of 25 new battalions in the next two years, he pointed out.

Stating that lack of accommodation facilities was the major problem facing the personnel, the force had taken up the matter with the Central Government.

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