CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Government on Tuesday announced that latest gadgets would be made available to the police for scientific investigation.

More closed circuit television would be provided and additional check posts deployed in Greater Chennai for effective traffic regulation.

According to the Tamil Nadu Police policy note tabled in the Assembly by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the modern equipment was aimed at improving investigation. Gadgets and equipment worth Rs.2.27 crore would be purchased to upgrade the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the regional FSLs.

As Greater Chennai Commissionerate required focussed efforts to strengthen its force, mobility and effectiveness to fulfil long-felt needs and aspirations of people, the Government had increased the allocation for the city police from Rs.5.33 crore to Rs.18 crore, through the modernisation of police scheme.

Highway patrols

As increasing road accidents and loss of lives and property were causing concern, the Government had taken steps to reactivate highway patrols and equip them with sufficient breath analysers and speed measuring radar guns. All Superintendents of Police and Commissioners had been instructed to strictly enforce traffic laws and take steps to cancel/suspend driving licences and permits of vehicles involved in flagrant violations.

The police had also been asked to coordinate with other departments to improve road engineering, traffic education and enforcement of traffic laws. As road safety was a priority area, it was proposed to revamp the State Traffic Planning Cell.

As regards Fire and Rescue Services, the policy note said schemes totally costing Rs.2.50 crore would be taken up for implementation. About Rs.37.05 lakh had been provided for procuring 57 breathing apparatus sets for use by fire fighters and Rs.1.57 crore for purchasing 10 water tenders to replace old vehicles.

Computers provided

With regard to Prohibition and Excise department, the Government said computers with printers were available in Assistant Commissioners' (Excise) offices in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Salem, Erode and Kancheepuram districts. About Rs.13.50 lakh would be provided for installing the facility in the remaining districts and upgrading computers at the headquarters in the current financial year.

Also under consideration was a proposal to computerise operations of TASMAC retail shops in a phased manner. Sensors and computers would be provided in the retail shops to automatically generate bills for items sold. This would ensure proper accounting.

"The main thrust of the Government will be in providing better excise administration so that illicit distillation, diversion of spirit for illicit purposes and the transportation and sale of spurious/seconds liquor are curbed."

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