Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, Monday led a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs, at Daman.
Accompanied by Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra, Nishith Pramanik, 11 Committee Members, Union Home Secretary, senior Ministry officials, Chief Secretary of UT of Jammu & Kashmir, and Director General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles, discussions centered on the development of Jammu and Kashmir and issues pertinent to the Central Armed Police Forces.
Underlining the government’s steadfast commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Union Home Minister Amit Shah elucidated various measures that have significantly propelled the region’s progress.
Notably, the historic decision on August 6, 2019, to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution marked a pivotal moment for Jammu and Kashmir. This move extended all constitutional safeguards enjoyed by Indian citizens to the region, ensuring the implementation of progressive laws such as the Right to Education and the National Minorities Commission Act. Furthermore, a provision of 10% reservation has been earmarked for economically backward classes in jobs and educational institutions.
Significant strides have been witnessed across various sectors including power generation, irrigation schemes, agriculture, industry, health, education, and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) has fostered decentralization of governance, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the people.
The abrogation of Article 370 has proved to be a transformational phase in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen wide-ranging changes in development, security, and socio-economic dimensions. Stone pelting and organized strikes have become a thing of the past. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to leading the way on the path of accelerated and inclusive development and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir to shape their future and fulfill new aspirations.
During the discussion on CAPFs, the Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to ensuring a safe and secure India. He reiterated the splendid work done by the CAPFs in maintaining law and order in dealing with issues of internal security and guarding the International Border. He further emphasized that the welfare of CAPFs personnel and their kin is the top priority of the Government. The Home Minister exhorted all officers to continue the good work being done to achieve Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat.
In a landmark decision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided that from 2024, the Constable (General Duty) examination for CAPFs will be conducted in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English.
During the meeting, it was apprised that in the last five years, recruitment of more than 2.43 Lakh personnel has been carried out. Under the Rozgar Mela during the last year, approximately 98,676 candidates have been appointed and around 54,000 personnel promoted in CAPFs. Bonus marks are provided to the NCC certificate holders in the recruitment of CAPFs, and during the last 3 years, 3560 NCC certificate holders have availed the benefits of this scheme.
The members of the Committee were also informed that during the last 10 years, 54 Battalions have been raised in CAPFs.
Various steps taken for the welfare of CAPFs personnel were discussed, including Bharat Ke Veer, Ayushman CAPFs, Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme, and enhancement of ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Provision in the recruitment Rules and exemption in the eligibility criteria for induction of Agni Veer in CAPFs were also discussed. It was also apprised to the Committee that various initiatives have been taken by the CAPFs, including plantation of 5.10 crore saplings across the country, scientific beekeeping, and Honey Mission in the campuses of CAPFs, and use of millets in CAPFs, etc.
Issues related to creation of infrastructure, modernization, and increasing housing satisfaction ratio were also discussed. It was apprised to the Committee that the Government is making concerted efforts to make the life of CAPFs personnel comfortable.
