Thursday, December 1 2005 14:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Asserting that the government was committed towards the modernisation of security agencies, Home Minister Shivraj Patil today (December 1, 2005) said it was trying to increase the component of women in all forces upto 10 per cent.

"We have been trying to increase the component of women in security forces to 10 per cent," Patil said after inspecting the parade at the 'BSF Day' function here.

"We want that the women also take part in the security of our nation. President A P J Abdul Kalam had also said that the women component of our security forces should be at least 10 per cent," Patil said amid applause from audience.

BSF also displayed tableaux depicting its achievements, arms, ammunition and communication equipments in the colourful function as MI-17 helicopters showered flower petals.

The Home Minister said the government has been trying to modernise the security forces with sophisticated weapons and equipments.

"We want to modernise the forces with sophisticated arms, communication equipments, armoured vehicles and other necessary items," he said adding "arms of the security forces should be as sophisticated as of our enemy."

"This is one of our prime objectives. We will go in this direction," he said.

Patil praised the role played by the BSF personnel in guarding the border as well as other activities, including counter insurgency operations, and helping the needy during natural disasters.