Centre allows States to procure sophisticated weapons for modernisation of police force

NEW DELHI - The government has given its nod to the State government to acquire sophisticated weapons from abroad and Ordnance Factory Board for modernization of State Police Forces.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran on Tuesday in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha stated that the Union Government has allowed the State Governments to procure sophisticated weapons like MP-5, AK-47 Rifles, Carbines, Glock Pistols, Sniper Rifles, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers as well as Sub Machine Guns and Assault Rifles from abroad and Ordnance Factory Board for modernization of State Police Forces.

Mr. Ramachandran further stated that the total funds released under the Scheme for Modernisation and for import of weapons including Ordnance Factory Board during the three financial years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 for supply of weapons to States is as under :-

Year: 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Funds released: 88.01 72.78 69.59 (Rs. in crores) (ANI)