Friday, February 24 2006 10:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a bid to meet emerging challenges like terrorism and cyber crime, the Union cabinet yesterday(Feb 23,2006) approved a Rs 8.84 billion police modernisation scheme for seven Union territories.

The scheme, which would be implemented over five years beginning 2006, will enable the police force to purchase among other things night vision devices, metal detectors, bomb disposal equipment, bullet proof vests and communication system.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said a substantial amount would be spent on housing mainly in Delhi.

Under the scheme, mobility procurement of new vehicles including bullet proof and mine proof vehicles, light weaponary, training and infrastructure, forensic sciences, intelligence gathering, building police stations and having modern traffic control equipment.

The implementation of the scheme will result in better equipments and better infrastructural facilities for the police force of the union territories, he said adding this would also enable the police forces to meet the emerging challenges such as terrorism and cyber crime.