Government Sanctions Over Rs 600 Crore To Procure More Mine-Protected Vehicles For Paramilitary Forces

After the February 14 Pulwama attack, the Indian government will soon procure mine-protected vehicles for paramilitary forces including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the movement of troops in Naxal-hit areas and Jammu and Kashmir. These vehicles will also help National Security Guards (NSG), an anti-terror force during encounters. IAF’s Tejas-MK1 Front Runner to Bag Aircraft Contract of Royal Malaysian Air Force; Pakistan’s JF-17, South Korea’s FA-50 Golden Eagle Also in Race.

A total of Rs  613.96 have been sanctioned to the paramilitary forces for the procurement of additional mine-protected vehicles, bullet-proof jackets and other equipment. Around six personnel can travel in one four-wheeled vehicle. According to Home Ministry official, these mine-protected vehicles will increase capabilities of the paramilitary forces in countering improvised explosives devices (IEDs) in Naxalism-hit areas and in Kashmir Valley. India Successfully Test Fires Nirbhay, Supersonic Cruise Missile From Integrated Test Range in Odisha.

Additional Rs  16.84 crore has also been sanctioned to the NSG for the purchase of seven remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) which would help the force to carry out surveillance inside buildings, buses, Metro and railway stations. These ROVs can climb a staircase or a slope of at least 45 degrees with a weight of 8kg. In addition to this, the ROVs will have modular mount for weapon system, de-armer disrupter and real-time viewing system with X-ray. Meanwhile, the NSG has already procured the Renault Sherpa Light Armoured personal carrier.

After the Pulwama attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs had also approved entitlement of air travel on four routes involving Jammu and Kashmir for all jawans of Central Armed Police Forces. Earlier, Constable, Head Constable and ASI rank officials of paramilitary forces were not eligible for the air travel.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@SpokespersonMoD)