The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has observed that efficacy and quality of police services largely depended on adequate number of trained police personnel and availability of infrastructure in naxal-affected districts like Palamau in Jharkhand.
In its report for the year ended March 31, 2012, the CAG warned that large scale vacancies in the police services may adversely affect the preparedness of the police force in Palamau, a Naxal-affected district.
Observing that shortage of personnel in the ranks of deputy superintendents of police, assistant sub-inspectors and in the constabulary cadre in the district, it said Palamau being the oldest naxal affected district, it required adequate weapons as an important component under Modernisation of Police Force scheme.
Referring to a May 2007 decision by the Jharkhand Police to phase out the out-dated and old weapons like .303 and SLR rifles by modern weapons, the CAG found that 489 (7.52 mm SLR) and 453 (.303 rifles) were retained by the Palamau district police, as of March 2012.
"We also noticed that 157 SLR out of 489 and 346 (.303) rifles were kept idle in the district armoury," the CAG said. Besides, the CAG added, 163 weapons were not functioning as on March 2012, and the same position prevailed as of December 2012.
"Non-replacement of these weapons by modern strike weapons even six years after the decision taken in May 2007 to phase out old weapons could hamper the preparedness of the police in Palamau district," the report said.
Out of total sanctioned strength of 2,070 combat personnel in the district, the report found that only 482 bullet proof jackets and bullet proof helmets were available, out of which 19 jackets and six helmets were permanently damaged in landmine blasts.
"Shortage of the security equipment left the combat force vulnerable to risk to life or serious injury," the CAG added. On infrastructure and security arrangements in Palamau district to providing a suitable work environment to the police personnel, the CAG said the twin facilities were inadequate in the police stations and outposts.
"In the absence of sufficient infrastructure facilities and security arrangements in a Naxal affected district, police stations and outposts face the risk of dire consequences in case of extremist attacks," the report observed.
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