Vinod Bhat
New Delhi, February 26, 2024
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah presided over a meeting of Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Daman, today. Minister of State for Home Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra and Sh Nishith Pramanik, 11 Members of the committee, Union Home Secretary, senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary of UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Director General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles participated in the meeting. The Committee discussed issues related to Development of Jammu and Kashmir and Central Armed Police Forces.
Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is fully committed to the overall development of the Jammu and Kashmir and has taken several measures that have significantly boosted the development of Jammu & Kashmir.
During the discussion it was highlighted that August 6, 2019 was a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir when the Parliament of India decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution. With this, all the constitutional safeguards enjoyed by the citizens of our country were extended to Jammu and Kashmir including progressive laws like Right to Education, National Minorities Commission Act, etc. These laws were fully implemented in the Union Territory. The enactment of these laws has guaranteed equality and fairness to all, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, women, children and senior citizens. A provision of 10% reservation has been made for the upliftment of economically backward classes in jobs and educational institutions.
Along with this, substantial progress has been seen in the last few years, in the fields of power generation, transmission and distribution sectors, irrigation schemes, agriculture, industry, health, education, road-rail-air transport, tourism, employment etc. in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were strengthened by providing funds, functions and functionaries for decentralization of governance. These initiatives have brought positive changes in the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The abrogation of Article 370 has proved to be a transformational phase in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen wide-ranging changes in development, security and socio-economic dimensions. Stone pelting and organized strikes have become a thing of the past. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to leading the way on the path of accelerated and inclusive development and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir to shape their future and fulfil new aspirations.
During the discussion on CAPFs, Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to ensure a safe and secure India. He reiterated the splendid work done by the CAPFs in maintaining law and order in dealing with issues of internal security and guarding of the International Border. He further emphasised that the welfare of CAPFs personnel and their kin is the top priority of the Government. Home Minister exhorted all officers to continue the good work being done to achieve Prime Minister Modi’ vision of Vikshit Bharat.
Home Minister said that in a landmark decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that from 2024 the Constable (General Duty) examination for CAPFs will be conducted in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English. During the meeting, it was apprised that in the last five year, recruitment of more than 2.43 Lakh personnel have been carried out. Under the Rozgar Mela during last one year approximately 98676 candidates have been appointed and around 54000 personnel promoted in CAPFs. Bonus marks are provided to the NCC certificate holders in the recruitment of CAPFs and during last 3 years 3560 NCC certificate holders have availed the benefits of this scheme. The members of the Committee were also informed that during last 10 years 54 Battalions have been raised in CAPFs.
During the meeting various steps taken for the welfare of CAPFs personnel were also discussed including Bharat Ke Veer, Ayushman CAPFs, Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme and enhancement of ex-gratia to the next of the kin of those who made supreme sacrifice for the nation. Provision in the recruitment Rules and exemption in the eligibility criteria for induction of Agni Veer in CAPFs was also discussed. It was also apprised to the Committee that various initiatives have been taken by the CAPFs including plantation of 5.10 crore saplings across the country, scientific beekeeping and Honey Mission in the campuses of CAPFs and use of millets in CAPFs etc. Issues related to creation of infrastructure, modernization and increasing housing satisfaction ratio were also discussed. It was apprised to the Committee that Government is making concerted efforts to make the life of CAPFs personnel comfortable.
