THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The series of accusations made by Opposition against police department, in their letter to the Speaker is ungrounded, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the House on Wednesday.
Opposition discontent revolves around majorly three issues. A detailed examination of reports on each of them came up empty, said CM.
The Accusations
1) There have been violations to the Star Purchase provisions in purchases pertaining to computers, laptops, cameras and vehicles for the police.
Fact : The State govt took steps required to modernise the police force. It involved several activities including purchase of computers, laptops, cameras and vehicles, which is only normal. Computers and laptops required by Crime and Criminal Tracking System (CCTNS) were purchased with due permission from State Empowered Committee working under State Govt. The purchase proceedings were carried out via Procurement Rate Contract System(CPRC) and Government e-Marking(GeM). Further, the CCTVs were bought and installed following open tender process.
2) The scheme titled SIMS for installing cameras in households is largely corruptive
Fact: CIMS is country’s first-ever initiative introduced by Kerala Police to prevent burglaries by Live monitoring. Its operations and control rests with KELTRON – a public sector unit that is certified by government as its all-solutions provider. Neither govt nor police incur any costs towards its implementation.
3) Funds meant for building SHO quarters in naxal-prone areas were diverted and used to built unauthorised villas and bungalows instead.
Fact: There are two schemes specific to naxal infested regions namely – Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and Special Infrastructure Scheme(SIS). Both these schemes do not provide for construction activities. And construction of quarters for cops involved in Thunderbolt operations, is not related to these schemes.
Faced with shortage of accommodation for senior police officials, the State’s share of funds from Modernisation Of Police Fund(mop) 2013-14 (Rs 433 Lakh) and funds allowed for senior officers’ residences under State Plan 2018-19 and 2019-20(Rs 195 Lakh ), were used to construct quarters for senior offices at Police Quarters Compound at Bhaktivilasam.
Another accusation claimed irregular appointments at Kerala Forensic Science Laboratory. 140 posts in Kerala Forensic Science Laboratory and 64 in regional forensic laboratories currently lie vacant. PSC has been informed on the vacancies, the minister said.
Around 12,000 cases lie unattended in 4 laboratories across the state. To resolve the situation at a minimal level, staff from the police department have been posted on 6-month temporary basis to assist the scientific assistants. They are however not involved in any kind of tests at the laboratories. Tests and processing potential evidence are handled by forensic experts only, CM added.
