Delhi Police gets Rs 6,378 crore in budget

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 6,378.18 crore in the Union Budget for the next fiscal, an increase of Rs 464 crore from the current year, with Rs 28.90 crore being set aside for Nirbhaya Fund, almost nine times the amount set aside for it in the last budget.

Of the total amount allotted in the 2016-17 Budget, Rs 439 crore has been granted for police infrastructure that comprises office and residential building projects.

Women safety got a major shot in the arm as Rs 28.90 crore has been set aside for Nirbhaya fund. Last year, Rs 3.40 crore was set aside for enhancing measures for ensuring women security in the national capital but this time the amount has increased nine times in comparison to last year.

No new scheme has been announced in the Budget.

The Budget estimate has put non-plan expenditure at Rs 5,910.28 crore, a marginal jump over the current fiscal's estimate of Rs 5,657.84 crore.

The non-plan expenditure comprises routine expenses as well as the amount to be spent on various schemes to be implemented by Delhi Police.

These include schemes such as developing traffic and communication network in the capital, upgradation or expansion of communication infrastructure, upgradation of training, induction of latest technology and installation of traffic signals, etc.

Delhi Police had demanded more funds for women safety under Nirbhaya fund in order to set up a mobile forensic lab and further strengthen women safety and security features in the city, said a senior police officer.

There are also plans to upgrade the existing women helpline and mobile app with advanced safety features so that women can reach police during time of distress, he said.