Thursday, September 22 2005 17:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a major step to reduce stress on over-stretched police and paramilitary forces, Government today (Sept 22, 2005) announced that it would raise 300 new battalions for them. "The Government has decided that 300 battalions will be raised, not just for BSF but also for other police forces," Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters here after inaugurating the 33rd annual training conference of BSF.

He was replying to reporters' questions with regard to BSF Director General R S Mooshahary's request that 20 reserve battalions be raised for the force.

Patil, however, did not give details about the time frame for setting up the battalions or the forces, which will benefit. Each battalion has around 1,000 personnel.

The BSF and other paramilitary forces have been insisting on raising of more battalions as their personnel hardly get time for training because of almost perennial field duties.

Patil said he had discussed with senior BSF officials about various aspects of training, including physical, weapon, psychological and disaster management, which he said, were 'among the best in the world.'

He asked them to adopt modern training techniques to keep pace with the changing security environment.