By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In an apparent bid to strengthen the security mechanism in the Meghalaya, the State Security Commission met here on Friday to work out the ways and means of strengthening of the Police department.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the meeting dwelt at length on the need to frame policy guidelines to improve police functioning besides improving the quality of investigation by the State Police.
Recalling that the State Government had sanctioned six new police outposts in the State, besides upgrading three police outposts, Dr Sangma said, “We have already initiated the process of strengthening our police force.”
It may be mentioned that the three police outposts which have been upgraded to full-fledged police stations are located at Shallang, Nongalbibra and Bajengdoba.
The Chief Minister also informed that a substantial number of 428 posts have also been sanctioned for manning the busy roads of Shillong city and all the district headquarters.
Admitting the shortage of manpower in the police department, Dr Sangma stated that the police-public ratio in the State was dismal with only 110 police personnel for one lakh population.
Reacting to a query about the Central funds for the Police department, the Chief Minister stated that the State was getting around Rs 9-10 crore per year which is mainly spent on their infrastructural needs.