Save for the Homeland Security University, which was allotted Rs 3 crore, the Home Department was conspicuous by its absence in Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s budget on Thursday.
Former chief minister Siddaramaiah had announced Rs 6,647 crore for the department in his February 16 budget and allotted funds for modernisation and upgradation in the Home department.
In his budget speech, Kumaraswamy said, “Millions of security personnel are working in government and private institutions. (But) required training is not being imparted. There are various changes in security concepts and cyber crime is important among these. In this background, a Homeland Security University will be opened with private participation in Shivamogga district. For this purpose, a grant of Rs 3 crore will be provided.”
Former state police chief S T Ramesh said there was a need for exclusive budget only for the Home department as it required lot of development work. He said this includes basics like strengthening the police force, upgrading police communicatio infrastructure, good buildings for police stations and housing facility for 100% of the personnel. “There has been shortage of staff. The government should provide proper uniforms and upgrade police training schools, many of which do not have adequate infrastructure,” he said.
Kumaraswamy said the proposed university had nothing to do with the present police training or improving anything in the department, it will be like any other university, teaching criminology, police studies and employment relationships.