Maharashtra police lacks firing practice: CAG

In what is a matter of extreme concern, there is a shortfall of firing practice in Maharashtra police because of  shortage of ammunition, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report has revealed.

The CAG report on 'General and Social Sector' - for the year ended March, 2016,  tabled in both the Houses of Maharashtra legislature on Friday, raps the Home department for not identifying and addressing the impediments in providing mandatory firing practice to police personnel.

As per state government's weaponry policy of April, 2010, and August, 2014, it was mandatory for all police personnel across ranks to undergo at least one annual firing practice.

It is to be noted here that post the 26/11 fidayeen attacks in Mumbai in 2008, the Maharashtra police has decided to concentrate on the firing practice and ensure that the armoury is up to date.

The CAG test-check audits of Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police of nine districts - which revealed that there is a shortfall of 60 to 71 per cent in armed firing practice during 2011-16.

The SP-Pune (in May, 2016) attributed it to the shortfall of non-availability of ammunition while the CP-Mumbai (in November, 2016) attributed the shortfall to non-availability of firing range.  During the exit conference, the Principal Secretary (Special) admitted that the shortage of ammunition had affected the firing practice.

The CAG, in its recommendations, stated that the Maharashtra Government may make concerted efforts do address the issue of pending supplies with the Ordnance Factories Board so that backlog in supply of weapons is cleared at the earliest.

The stocks of modern weapons lying at the district armouries and central pool may be effectively utilised to fulfil the operational needs of the field units. "The state government may also ensure that mandatory firing practice is imparted to the police personnel to sharpen their skills," the report states.