Special force to guard Maya memorials

The special force will be responsible for guarding monuments including Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal, Ambedkar Vihar, Samajik Parivartan Pratik Sthal, Kanshi Ram Smarak Sthal, Kanshi Ram Harit Sthal, Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, Buddha Vihar Shanti Upvan, Smriti Upvan and the Noida-based Samata Mulak Sthal.

According to the bill, the force will comprise 1,000 personnel and will be headed by a Director General of Police. It will not be deployed for any other purpose.
As per the bill, area where monuments and parks are located will be declared as special zone. 

In the first phase the strength of the force will comprise one battalion and will entail an estimated expenditure of Rs 14 crore annually.

“We want to give the force a permanent status and hence the approval of the House is being taken for setting it up,” said an official.

Mayawati had proposed a similar force in 2003 but the then Mulayam Singh regime scrapped the idea when it came to power. Once the assembly approved such a force, it would not be easy to disband the same, the official pointed out.

The state government has earned the wrath of the apex court for huge expenditure on memorials and statues.