It is a proud privilege to participate in the confabulations of this august forum of policy makers and esteemed personages involved in designing the security superstructure of our Nation. At the outset let me place on record my appreciation for the fact that, at long last, the Union Government has paid some heed to repeated representations and objections regarding the proposed NCTC and has scheduled a separate meeting for discussing issues related to NCTC on 5th May, 2012. In view of the fact that NCTC will now be discussed separately I presume that item stands removed from today’s agenda and reserve my comments for the meeting on 5th May. In this context let me draw your attention

Respected Pradhanmantriji Shri Manmohan Singhji, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Chidambaramji, Hon’ble Union Ministers, Hon’ble Lt. Governors, Hon’ble Chief Ministers and Ladies and Gentlemen.

to the fact that the NCTC imbroglio is part of a series of unsavoury episodes that have taken place since we last met and the leitmotif of these episodes has been the unilateral approach of the Union Government. We all know that the state governments face the brunt of problems related to Internal Security and hence must be seen as partners in upholding the security of the Nation. Internal Security is too serious a matter to be treated as an arena for one-upmanship by the Union Government. I sincerely hope that this Conference will become a turning-point and ensure that our Nation stays firmly on course to fulfill its destiny as a Superpower.

1 Internal Security situation in the country - A brief snap shot

Gujarat has adopted a growth model that has unleashed the innovative skills and energies of every individual. Inclusive growth, non confrontational land acquisition, cosmopolitan social fabric are all part of the true inner strength of Gujarat which have not allowed the inimical forces of hate, terror, left wing extremism, labour unrest to take root and the resultant peace and public order has further spurred growth. Thus a virtuous cycle of growth has been created which has proved a disincentive to persons easily falling in to the trap of subversive elements threatening internal security.

At the same time, our geographical proximity to a sensitive part of the world coupled with the attention drawn by Gujarat’s exceptional growth makes us vulnerable to the machinations of terror groups and their patrons. Gujarat’s extensive coastline and the Rann of Kachchh are today bustling centers of growth. Some of the country’s busiest ports, massive petrochemical complexes and other industrial parks are situated along the coasts while Kachchh has seen unprecedented agricultural bounties and industrial growth. In this context, I would urge Government of India

I earnestly request the Government of India to take proactive steps to clear the fog of mistrust and suspicion that has arisen on account of the recent unseemly controversy and not remain content with mere issuance of statements.

As we all know, terrorism has international ramifications and we are often subjected to cross border terrorisms. We have experienced terrorists fleeing our country and often carrying out subversive acts sitting outside the boundary of the nation. It puzzles me as to what a helpless situation we are put in to; even we are unable to bring the perpetrators of terror to justice. I urge the Union Government to pay attention to such issues as it impacts our internal security.

Unilateral Actions: Ignoring StatesWe are proud of our unity and diversity and espoused federalism in our system to recognise regional aspirations. For better governance of the Country we have emphasised on decentralisation and devolution of powers up to the grass root levels. The strength of the Nation lies in strengthening of the States and local self governments. Yet there have been some instances observed recently, which

to consider the special sensitivities of Gujarat and accord highest priority to our internal security requirements.

Since this is a forum to discuss issues of strategy and policy, we should be looking at the Higher Security management that prevails in the country. This involves, among others, a strong deterrent posture, firm espousal of national interest and seamless co-ordination among the states and stakeholders.

Internal and External security:The Internal Security of the Nation cannot be viewed in isolation as it is intertwined with the external security scenario. The Armed Forces play an important role in anti-infiltration, anti-insurgency etc which directly impinges on the internal security of the Nation. In this context, any lacunae in our defence capabilities on account of resource constraints, demoralization of the rank and file and tensions between the civil and military wings is bound to have an adverse impact on the Internal Security of the Nation. It is unfortunate that the present Union Government has failed to instill faith and confidence about our defence preparedness in the common man.

clearly violates these principles and is a matter of serious concern to all of us.

I may take liberty to cite some of these examples in this august gathering. The non-consultative approach of the Union Government was seen in the recent amendments to the Railway Protection Force [RPF] Act. The Union Railway Ministry has tried to create state within state. The amendment is intended to confer “powers of the police officers”, which is otherwise provided under Indian Police Act 1861 only. Even the Code of Criminal procedure 1973 define “Police station” and “in charge Police station officer” but nowhere definition of “police” or “police officer” is provided under the Code. It is indeed ironical that Union Government is not only meddling with subjects under State List but also violating provisions of Indian Police Act 1861 and the Code of Criminal procedure 1973.

I have written to the Prime Minister detailing our concerns about the proposed amendments to the BSF act, 1968. This is yet another instance of the Union government’s attempts to trample the federal structure of the country. I would use this occasion to exhort the Union Government to desist from attempting to snatch away powers from the state police & thus creating distrust & demoralisation of the state police.

The Union Government’s callous approach towards sensitive issues like defence is also seen in the matter of Limited Competitive Examination, which seeks to address severe shortfalls in the IPS cadre by inducting officers of the Armed and Para military forces. Despite severe shortages in the officer cadre of the Armed forces, the Union Government is seeking to conceal its ineptitude in matters of Internal Security by such shortcuts. It is noteworthy that on this issue the Union Government has also disregarded the advice of a constitutional body like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

I also draw your attention to the injustice meted out to numerous young aspirants due to this ill advised move and emphasize the need to harness our demographic dividend to the fullest. I would urge that the entire issue be treated in a holistic perspective. The Union Government should systematically increase the annual intake of IPS officers rather than resorting to ad hoc administrative sleights of hand. On such issues, a process of deliberation and consultation with State Governments is definitely warranted and it is still not too late for the Union Government to do a re-think on this matter.

ensure that the institutions created are not damaged for short term political gains and harm the national interests in long term.

Seamless co-ordination among stakeholders:There are several Ministries and Departments of the Union Government that are involved in various aspects of internal security. It has been noticed that Central agencies which are involved in intelligence gathering and internal security management are unable to promptly and satisfactorily resolve coordination issues on account of policies and procedures of these important stakeholders.

The agenda note mentions that 97% of MAC inputs are generated by central agencies and only 3% come from state agencies and as I guess these agencies take commensurate responsibility of inputs they disseminate. However, I am not aware as to what parameters have been taken in to consideration in arriving at such figures, but I am sure that Government of India is aware of the tireless efforts of state agencies in maintaining peace and public order on a daily basis and therefore such statements would only serve to belittle the efforts of numerous State government

I would urge the Government of India to realise that state governments are the arms and limbs that implement policies for the Nation’s progress. It is incumbent on every government, whether at the Centre or in the states, to ensure that they do not take actions which would encourage indiscipline within the system or provide protection to delinquent officers. I can state on the basis of experience that the Central Government has a tendency of late to flout rules and procedures which it has itself framed with regard to discipline and conduct of officers. Such tendencies will severely affect the integrity and robustness of the system in the long run. I would therefore strongly urge the Union Government to refrain from actions that undermine the authority of state governments.

I would like to draw your attention to the increasing politicisation of premier central agencies including the CBI to harass and victimize political rivals of the ruling party at the centre. This approach has gravely compromised the credibility of agencies like CBI and is a matter of concern since these agencies are also involved in Internal Security matters. It is therefore incumbent on government at the Centre to

personnel who are our foot soldiers for Homeland security. I would strongly urge that a panel of experts should review the parameters for arriving at such figures. The review should culminate in a comprehensive White Paper that will look at the modalities of intelligence gathering and sharing and lay down appropriate norms.

I take this opportunity to mention that conventional policing is largely oriented towards controlling crimes locally minding local criminals and miscreants. This is a legacy of an era when there was limited mobility. We must reorient our strategies to respond appropriately to the rising trend of Inter State movement of criminal gangs. I strongly urge that we must fully harness the latest technologies and equip border check posts and control rooms with the hardware and software required for this purpose. There is also a dire need to augment the security of public spaces with technological support particularly in railway stations, bus stations etc. and bring them on par with the benchmarks prescribed for Airport security. I therefore suggest that a Task Force be constituted to address this significant aspect of internal security and evolve a comprehensive mechanism.

Sir Creek - Wealth Creek:Further, reliable and affordable sources of energy are a sine qua non for a progressive economy and the nation’s current energy dependence has serious security implications. We need to develop right strategy for exploiting available resources, in particular the projected Hydrocarbon reserves in border region and in our Exclusive Economic Zone. I would like to draw your attention to the strong possibilities of finding sizeable Hydrocarbon reserves in the Sir Creek area and along the land borders extending to Rajasthan. Maybe the Union Government takes proactive action for creation of a dedicated Force to exploit the hydro-carbon reserve along these areas and guard the natural wealth in the corridor along the borders. Similarly, there is immense potential for solar energy along the border regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This huge potential could be tapped for sustainable clean energy. Gujarat Government will be happy to extend the required support and cooperation in its region. Such an initiative would not only augment our domestic energy reserves but also improve the overall security environment of the region.

2 Police Reforms and Capacity Building

D evelopment brings along several challenges and reforming police and increasing its capacity and wherewithal is inevitable to mitigate the undesirable consequences of economic prosperity. Any organization is as good as the personnel who man it. This is especially so for people intensive sectors like law enforcement and intelligence gathering. Gujarat Government has been taking innovative steps to capture the gains of a knowledge economy and the demographic dividend. Creation of centers of academic excellence, massive schemes for skill development and encouragement for innovation has been the key themes in the development saga of Gujarat.

Expansion of the Human Resource base of the State Police being a prerequisite for full implementation of this directive, the State Government has embarked on a massive recruitment drive. This drive will not only fill up all vacancies but also cause a quantum jump in police manpower. As many as 1000 officers and 22000 constables have been recruited in Gujarat police during last three years, amounting to almost 25 percent of

the present strength of the State police. In the current year, recruitment for nearly 10000 more constables and 650 officers is underway which shall further strengthen the State Police Force. Incidentally this initiative has possibly made Gujarat police the youngest in its age profile ever since the State came into existence. We are progressing towards the goal of a desirable police population ratio and proximate police station by expanding the state police’s footprint in a sustained manner.

We have conducted the police recruitment process as not a mere induction of personnel but

have brought about a tectonic shift in the quality of recruits. This has been made possible by suitable changes in recruitment rules and processes. A new breed of technology-savvy police has been selected who will give a futuristic dimension to the enforcement of law and order in the state.

The comprehensive approach of the State Government treats capacity building as an investment and not an expense. We are systematically putting in place a complete eco-system of knowledge centers, training institutes and an innovative dissemination infrastructure for all elements of the criminal justice system.

The State has set up centers of excellence for cutting edge professional research and knowledge production.

Raksha Shakti University, the first University of its kind in India, is one of the path-breaking initiatives of the Gujarat Government and has been set up to act as a resource pool for recruitment in the police force as well as other security organizations. It provides in-service training, facilitates research in policing subjects and thus strives to create and disseminate knowledge and contribute to the progress of policing concept and strategies. Since the setting up of the University, courses of Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma in Police Science have been successfully conducted and many National level seminars on varied topics have been held under the aegis of the Raksha Shakti University.

Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has carved a niche for itself as a National Resource Centre and provides forensic support to not only the state agencies but also to several central government organizations and other state police forces. FSL has the distinction of handling almost 5000 cases referred from outside the state in the last three years. Gujarat Government has leveraged this core competence of the FSL into the creation of an institution namely Gujarat Forensic Sciences University

(GFSU). The GFSU imparts knowledge and encourages research in the field of forensic science and allied areas with the objective of strengthening the system of prevention and detection of crimes, rehabilitation of victims and reformation of criminals. During the span of three years, the University has organized seven National / International level Conferences / Seminars including a conference under the auspices of Interpol (France).

The existing training establishments of Gujarat police are being modernized and expanded. We have embarked on setting up a new Commando Training Centre to make the State self sufficient in our tactical training needs. In addition to developing state level institutions, a very innovative framework is being set up to overcome the last mile bottlenecks in taking training to the grass root levels. We have already set up a well equipped District Training Center in each of our districts. All police stations are being networked on a satellite-based broadcast platform which would be used to disseminate carefully prepared training content to every single police personnel deployed on the ground.

The constabulary forms the cutting edge level of the law enforcement machinery and constitutes the bulk of police force. Despite the critical need to improve the knowledge and skill set of the constabulary, there has been no initiative from the Government of India to cater to the training needs of the constabulary. I strongly believe in the philosophy that the best way to disseminate cutting-edge training inputs to our field personnel deployed far and wide is to set up a self sustaining human chain reaction. Every young sub-inspector passing out of Gujarat Police Academy has been asked to impart 100 hours of training to constables which the police training establishment meticulously monitors for quality and reach. This innovative stratagem ensures two way dissemination of knowledge and skill sets. I suggest that the Government of India should consider institutionalization of this innovation and financially support the state governments.

3 Intelligence Wings - Strengthening

In our resolve to strengthen the State Intelligence Branch, the Gujarat Govt. has prepared an action plan and taken a number of steps towards augmenting the skilled manpower and upgrading their technical capabilities. 38 Intelligence Officers (IO) have been selected through direct recruitment procedure and another 57 posts of the direct Intelligence Officers has been sanctioned and their recruitment is under progress. Further, posts of 100 Assistant Intelligence Officers (AIO) has been sanctioned and their recruitment rules are being framed.

Attempt has been made to strengthen the Intelligence Wing technically. More Vehicles have been provided to field units for better mobility, resulting into the improved intelligence gathering. On the line of National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC), State Bomb Data centre is created.

Periodic training programmes are being arranged to sensitize the field formations. Cutting edge officers and men of the State IB require special training on the lines of RAW and Central IB . They need to be trained for intelligence tradecraft such as surveillance skill (static target, moving target and technical surveillance),

interrogation skill, anti-subversion skill, agent running skill, secret enquiries skill, intelligence gathering for counter terrorism, intelligence analysis, etc.

I had earlier suggested for setting up of more Regional Intelligence Training Centers for capacity building of our intelligence personnel but nothing concrete has been done in this regard so far. I would once again reiterate my earlier suggestion of setting up of an All India Intelligence Service on the pattern of All India Services to upgrade the quality of our intelligence wings.

Though it is noted that 97% of MAC intelligence inputs come from Central Agencies, the Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) functioning at state-level has been reduced to a get-together of various agencies and the Central IB, which is the convener of these meetings, passes on only very general and dated information. This adversely impacts the state police forces whose energies are diverted towards repeated wild-goose chases.

The attempt to make the relationship between the Central Intelligence Agencies and the State Law Enforcement Agencies more and more

asymmetrical is a matter of great concern. The desire to corner greater power and authority without any commensurate responsibility is a disquieting and dangerous trend for our Republic. It must be understood that the local police forces are the first responders and the first line of defence in any eventuality and it is the democratically elected State Governments which have the maximum interface with public concerns and sensitivities.

The same approach is seen with regard to issues related to collection of technical intelligence. Technical intelligence requires the acquisition of state-of-the-art hardware and software and the current approach which seeks to deny state agencies access to equipment which the central agencies possess is a highly discriminatory one and it will severely undermine the capability of the First responders. Such approaches can only cause the greatest set-backs to our common mission of securing our Motherland.

4 Economic Offences (special emphasis on FICN)

I apprehend that the levy on Gold in the recent Union budget has a strong possibility of giving a lease of life to dormant smuggling syndicates unless necessary safeguards in the implementation of these new policies are ensured. The nexus between these criminal syndicates and terror groups is a dimension which must be seriously considered and I therefore urge the Union Government to look at the issue in a comprehensive manner.

In Gujarat, the State Anti-Economic Offences Wing has done significant work in controlling the economic offences in the state and in proper investigation of the same, bringing a great relief to the people of Gujarat.

A racket which had been going on to deprive the Government of the proceeds of sales tax in transport sector, tea trade and many other areas through misuse of fake ‘C’ and ‘F’ forms, bogus billing and false accounts etc has been successfully busted, which in turn has strengthened the economic administration of the State and augmented Sales Tax proceeds of the State government.

Printing and circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes is a crime against the State and effective action has been taken in this regard by Government of Gujarat. During the last three years, 444 cases have been registered by the State police, involving seizure of over Rs. 1.30 crores. An analysis of these cases indicates a worrisome inflow of FICN across the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal borders. There is also the use of formal banking channels for transporting the ill-gotten gains. The RBI should also pro-actively create a database which will supplement the policing efforts. The suspected involvement of terror syndicates in several FICN cases must alert us to the need to involve all stake-holders in formulating an effective response to the FICN scourge at all levels rather than treating it as a mere criminal offence which is to be tackled by routine policing above.

The inputs from state intelligence agencies has played a vital role in the detection of FICN cases and in this context I wonder whether Government of India has taken these inputs into consideration while arriving at its surprising figure of 3% contribution by state intelligence

agencies to MAC inputs. The information about FICN detections by state police is available with the central agencies but we are unaware of the follow up actions taken by the Government of India in this regard. I would urge the Government of India to pursue the leads provided by state agencies to their logical conclusion since these cases have an international dimension and hope that proactive steps will be taken by Government of India.

5 Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS)

CCTNS, as introduced by Ministry of Home Affairs in 2009 is successor to the earlier initiatives of CCIS and CIPA. CCTNS mainly encompasses various crime and criminal management related processes of police stations and collating the data for relevant MIS for higher offices such as SP Offices, Range Offices, DGP Office and SCRB. CCTNS mainly provides for police station functionalities for complaint/FIR registration, case management and case decision.

CCTNS as can be seen above has a very limited scope as it is confined to only crime and criminal data and does not in true sense provide citizen centric services. HDIITS as is introduced by Government of Gujarat in 2007 covers all the detailed functionalities as listed in CCTNS project. Apart from these functionalities HDIITS has various other modules for data management of ancillary departments which aid in maintaining law order in the state. These modules include Forensic Science Laboratory, CID Crime, IB, ATS, ACB, Prison, SRPF, SCRB, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Traffic and Prohibition & Excise. In addition to these HDIITS also covers various administrative management modules also such as Human Resource

Management System for all employees of Home Department, Inventory Management, Police Housing Corporation, Sainik Welfare, etc.

HDIITS is in advanced stage of implementation wherein the various modules developed under HDIITS have been tried and tested. GSWAN connectivity required for total implementation of the solution has been facilitated at approximately 1000 office locations (including police stations) where HDIITS is to be implemented.

However, as against requirement of HDIITS for about Rs. 200 crores, the MHA, GoI has approved only Rs.55 crores. I would therefore urge that the parameters for allocation of grants to States under schemes need to be revisited. Instead of merely going by the number of police stations of the state, size of population, sensitivity and vulnerability of a State should be taken as a major factor while allocating grants to the States.

6 Extension of the Scheme of Modernization of State Police Forces

M odernisation of police force has become an axiom that means different things to different people. I suggest that a Task Force of experts be immediately constituted to define the concept, delve into the nature of our modernisation needs and lay down the parameters in a need based and region specific manner. However, the Modernization of Police Force scheme has been of good support to the States and it is recommended that it should continue in the next fiscal years.

In the present format the financial contribution is shared in the ratio of 75% and 25% between the Centre and the State respectively. I recommend that this scheme should be 100 percent centrally sponsored. There remains a uncertainty in the allocation of funds every year and approval of the plans which results in the delay in procurement. May I suggest that once an allocation has been decided, there should be no change in the allocation for at least next three years. This would entail moving the MPF from Non Plan to Plan. All the Annual Plans should be approved in the beginning of the financial year leaving the administration with sufficient time to decide on their procurement. I may also suggest

that the Government of India may, in order to avoid unnecessary delays in the approval of Annual Plans, delegate the powers to approve the same subject to the guidelines of the MPF scheme to an empowered committee under the Chief Secretary of the state.

The Budgetary allocation to this scheme should take into account the threat perception arising from the highly sensitive coast line and land border, vulnerability to the terror threat, criticality of the nationally important vital installations and growing development of the State. This unique convergence of risk factors would call for an extra support to Gujarat. I would therefore, urge the Government of India to enhance the outlay for Gujarat under this scheme to at least Rs 250 crore this fiscal year.

Last year, I had put my case for increasing the scope of the scheme beyond merely weaponry, mobility and security equipments to the procuring of cutting edge technology driven, end to end solutions in order to squarely meet the challenges of modern day policing. The State Government has embarked upon a slew of

such projects in areas covering City wide closed circuit TV surveillance systems, automated traffic regulation and enforcement systems, modern communication networks and systems for law enforcement agencies etc. All these steps would directly contribute to our internal security preparedness as a nation. It is therefore high time that the nation considered developing new funding models for such critical projects which can easily go beyond the limited financial resources of an individual state.

It was heartening to note that the Mega City Policing has been recognized for strengthening. Since Mega cities are growing in rapidly and require specialized equipment and policing, I suggest that the Mega City scheme should be recognized as separate component and scope should be expanded to cover cities in which the population is over 30 lacs.

I am also given to understand that the second phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission shall be launched shortly. I would request the government to include an urban security component in this Mission

for which my government has already made a request in its proposal sent for the same. There is no denying the fact that security issue is assuming greater importance in wake of recent bomb blasts and serious consideration should be given to the aspect of urban policing and traffic management. Similarly enhanced and distinct allocation should be considered for Desert Area policing component.

One of the major challenges facing the country is that of Left Wing Extremism. The approach of the Government of India has been to try to solve the problem after it has arisen. I wish to submit that Government of India should not ignore states which are peaceful and currently not affected by the menace of Naxlism. Such elements always seek new regions for hiding and expand their network for which the Union Government should view the problem holistically and coordinate with such states where currently no such problem exist. Periodic overview should be made and fore warn the vulnerable states.

The supply of arms both through the imports and through the ordnance factories are taking too

much time and thereby causing delays in setting up of specialized teams and training. In spite of my repeated requests in this regard, nothing concrete has been done by the Government of India so far. I would once again request the Union Government to reassess the requirement of states and paramilitary forces and take suitable action for augmenting the capacity of our Ordnance factories. This year the State Government proposes to buy arms and ammunition to the tune of Rs 112 crores.

However, modernization of Police forces in terms of equipment and fire power alone will not address the issues of law and order administration and internal security. It has to be backed by enactment of certain special laws dealing with organized crime and terrorism. There may be need for amendment in the Indian Evidence Act as well, as the Police Officers have to constantly attend the Court hearing to give evidence even after they get transferred from the concerned place. We may make provisions, whereby the incumbent officer’s evidence on record itself should satisfy the prosecution and trial. Inspite of my repeated submissions on this

issue and the possibility of considerable savings of precious man-hours, the Government of India is yet to respond suitably.

The State is also conscious to the need of welfare of its security forces especially the housing facilities. In the current year the Gujarat police Housing Board has initiated works to the tune of Rs. 421 crores and about 2300 Residential

Quarters and 100 Non Residential Buildings would be completed. We also ensure that comprehensive health check up is conducted every year of all policemen and their family members and everyone is given a health card for regular follow up.

7Gujarat, situated on the western coast of India, is blessed with the longest coastline of the country which is 1600 km long. I am happy to inform this august gathering that the Government of Gujarat has taken advantage of the State’s geographic location and implemented an ambitious port led development strategy, which in turn has led to unprecedented progress in the Coastal areas.

During the successive Vibrant Gujarat Summits, apart from the huge investments in the hinterland, there has been massive investment in ports, mega power projects, road rail links etc. Gujarat is the only State which has multiple port privatization models like captive jetties, private ports, private jetties, ship building yards and port- rail linkage through Special Purpose Vehicles(SPV’s). However the enemies of Gujarat and India continue to probe our vulnerabilities and hence we need to upgrade our security mechanisms on a continuous basis.

I had during the Chief Ministers conference on Internal Security in February 2009 raised the issue of locating a Regional Hub of NSG (National Security Guards) in Gujarat. Inspite of an assurance given to me that my request would be considered at the earliest, no such

Coastal Security

centre however has been set up in Gujarat even after three years. As mentioned earlier, besides having sensitive and vulnerable coastline, Gujarat is also home to the vital national assets in the form of Mega Petroleum Refineries, Ultra Mega Power Plants, major ports like Kandla and Mundra etc. India’s two operational LNG terminals are also located in Gujarat and about 10 SPMs are located in the Gulf of Kutch for the import of crude/petroleum products. In view of this, Gujarat deserves to have a Regional Hub of NSG at the earliest.

I regret to note that the Government of India has no proactive strategy for safeguarding vulnerable off shore installations like SPM’s. There are 11 SPMs (Single Point Moorings) located along the Gujarat coastline, handling about 70 per cent of the crude oil of the country. The DG, Shipping has recommended that the responsibility for security of SPMs should lie with the owner of SPM’s. However, in view of the limited capacity of the SPM owners to counter any kind of terrorist attack and considering the increased threat perception in view of the proximity to a hostile neighbor, it

becomes imperative that dedicated paramilitary forces are formed and high end surveillance devices installed to thwart the surface/ underwater threat. I urge the Government of India to take necessary steps in this regard.

As regards the security at ports, it has to be accepted that it is grossly inadequate and also lacks in institutional mechanism. For minor ports and ports with private developers currently there is no mechanism to effectively check movement of personnel in and out of the port areas. I have in the past on several occasions emphasized the need to strengthen the immigration checks at sea ports and bring it on par with that at airports.

As many as 38 Talukas (tehsils) in 14 districts lie along the coastline of Gujarat. I am glad to inform this august forum that the State Government has encouraged integrated coastal development, particularly of the coastal communities by taking up an ambitious programme of “Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana”. It is a 12 point programme, covering all aspects of Human Development, for uplifting 60 lakh population residing in 3000 villages of the 38 Coastal Talukas.

Motivating the youth in the 14 coastal districts to associate themselves with Maritime security has been

a priority area for the State Government. The State desires that more and more such youth get opportunities to join the NCC in general and the NCC (Naval wing) in particular. The Education Department of the State Government has already taken up the issue but considering the threat perception in view of a long coastline in proximity to our hostile neighbor and the movement in large numbers of fisherman and fishing boats in the said area, it is desirable that the Government of India should provide 100 per cent assistance

for the same as well as ensure adequate Naval presence in the region.

Since the fishermen normally stay back during the monsoon season, a training programme can be conducted to sensitize the fishermen on issues pertaining to coastal security. I have in the past raised this issue on several occasions in the Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security, but no positive response in this regard has been received from the Government of India.

The Government of India had approved allotment of 31 interceptor boats for patrolling in the coastal areas under the Coastal Security Scheme ( Phase 2). However these boats have not been delivered to the State Government so far. In view of the long and vulnerable coastline of Gujarat, these boats may be delivered to us without any further delay.

I regret to note that despite the known vulnerabilities of Gujarat’s long coastline, our comprehensive proposals for coastal security have not received due attention from the Government of India. As against proposal for Rs. 392.47 crores, only a meagre Rs. 58.42 crores was sanctioned by the Government of India under Phase 1 and even under Phase 2, Gujarat’s coastal security needs have received inadequate support from the Government of India.

The Government of Gujarat however has already conducted Fishermen Awareness Programme during monsoon 2011 at a cost of Rs 50 Lakhs, benefitting 15000 fishermen and encouraged by its success, the Government proposes to continue such training program on a sustainable basis every year. However, with 140000 active fishermen in the State, it becomes necessary that the Government of India should also provide assistance in order to enable 100 per cent fishermen population to be covered by such training within a short period of time.

I am glad to inform this august forum that the State Government has proposed to set up a new Marine Police Training Academy, which can be used to train not only the Gujarat Marine Commandos but can also serve as a resource center for other Coastal States and other Maritime actors like the Coastguard. The National Task Force on Internal Security headed by Shri V K Duggal had on his recent visit to State had also commended the said initiative of the State Government. Considering the National importance of this initiative, I may request the Union Government to extend financial support in setting up of the said academy.

8Border fencing in the Rann of Kutch has remained incomplete. Even the portions which were erected earlier have collapsed due to corrosion and defective foundation. This issue needs to be immediately attended to, considering the 512 km long land border with a hostile neighbor.

Flood lighting of the land border has been completed for only 221 kms out of the total 512 kms and of which only a portion of 110 kms has been energized. This work should be immediately expedited to avoid any untoward incident.

The Border Security Force (BSF) have stood firm on the ground while guarding international borders situated in difficult terrain of Kutch and Banaskantha districts of the State. The BSF has been facing immense problem of mobility in the border region in absence of motorable roads. Even transportation of water to forward BSF Camps through tankers remains an arduous task. Gadhuli-Santalpur border road being vital life line in the border, is a great solution not only to the region but also to BSF. I am sorry to state that despite repeated requests from

Border Management

the state government the construction of vital Gadhuli- Santalpur border road has been facing roadblocks on account of delay at the level of Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Ministry of Home Affairs should take up this matter with the Ministry of Environment and Forests for early clearance to facilitate construction of the border road on a fast track basis

I had earlier suggested about setting up of solar power projects for use by the BSF along the Kutch border. I had also mentioned about setting up of critical social infrastructure along the border and mechanism to intercept communication and TV

signals from across the border as such signals may become means of anti India propaganda and may be used adversely during emergencies. The need for reconstruction of air strips at Deesa and other strategic locations had also been emphasized by me on several occasions in the past. These suggestions may be relooked and appropriate action taken at the earliest.

I thank all members of this august forum and reiterate my hope that this conference will be a turning point and will serve to strengthen the Internal Security of the Nation.

JAY HIND. JAY JAY GARVI GUJARAT