Development of border areas, police modernisation plan get major push

In line with the thrust areas of the Narendra Modi government, finance minister Arun Jaitley earmarked Rs 660 crore, a four-fold increase from last year, for relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants, mainly pandits from the valley, in his maiden budget speech.

In line with the thrust areas of the Narendra Modi government, finance minister Arun Jaitley earmarked Rs 660 crore, a four-fold increase from last year, for relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants, mainly pandits from the valley, in his maiden budget speech.

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To improve internal security, the NDA’s budget gave emphasis on barbed fencing along the border by allocating Rs 500 crore for it. Last year, only Rs 100 crore was allocated for the purpose. For the ‘socio-economic development’ of villages along the border, the government will spend Rs 990 crore this year. The scheme will be administered by the home ministry now.

The budget also earmarked Rs 3000 crore for the modernization of police forces, a move welcomed by home minister Rajnath Singh.

Overall, Jaitley has allocated Rs 65,745 crore for the home ministry for 2014-15 which is 11% more than last year’s allocation.

Jaitley said the government is setting aside Rs 2,250 crore for development of infrastructure in border areas.

Overall, the ministry will spend around Rs 150 crore on women safety schemes and the money will come from Nirbhaya fund established by the UPA government.