CRPF facing acute shortage of bulletproof helmets: Government

NEW DELHI: CRPF is facing a "significant shortage" of bulletproof helmets, with the scarcity of the key protective headgear standing at a staggering 98 per cent of the requirement, Parliament was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary admitted to the shortage in a written reply in Rajya Sabha to a question if there is a significant scarcity of bulletproof helmets or patkas in the CRPF.

"Against an authorisation of 1,22,485 bulletproof helmets, CRPF is holding 1,852 bulletproof patka/helmets. The reason for the deficiency is non-availability of bulletproof helmets with desired protection level against 7.62 mm bullet in the market," Chaudhary said.

The shortage stands at about 98 per cent.

He said the Union Home Ministry has also authorised the Central Reserve Police Force for procuring 27,412 bulletproof jackets.

Chaudhary said the force, in view of the shortage of bulletproof helmets, is undertaking a techno-medical assessment for procurement of "optimum quality" of the protective headgear.