Funds for arms post 26/11 go unspent
Despite the Centre approving the procurement in February 2013, the funds remained unspent, the PAC observed.
Mumbai: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has rapped the state home department for not purchasing arms and vehicles within the stipulated time after the 26/11 terror attacks. Despite the Centre approving the procurement in February 2013, the funds remained unspent, the PAC observed.
“The procurement of police vehicles and arms is a sensitive issue and it was expected that it would be handled with some sensitivity. It shows that the office director general of police has not taken the issue seriously. Action should be taken against the officials who delayed the process of procurement,” the PAC has recommended in a report tabled by them in the Assembly on Thursday.
The PAC has also expressed its displeasure about funds not being spent for upgrading a forensic laboratory. “Despite the availability of funds, the laboratory could not be constructed. It is necessary to have an up-to-date laboratory to seek reports within time in criminal cases. Action should be taken against the officials for not spending the funds,” the report said.
Speaking about the issue of home guards, the PAC said that they were appointed to reduce the burden on the police force. However, the home guard board has been completely ignored by the home department. “The home guards do not get any facilities. They are supposed to work for 180 days at a Rs 3 per day stipend. In
2016, the home department registered 36,839 guards. However, the number is doubtful and the department should give a report on the issue,” the report added.
The home department had approved Rs 909 crore between April 2012 and March 2017 for the construction of houses for police officials. However, the department could not spend these funds. The department should give a report on this in three months’ time.
The 26/11 terror attacks took place in November 2008, when 10 members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayabba, carried out a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks lasting four days across Mumbai. About 164 people were killed in the attacks while at least 308 were wounded.