Coastal security gets Rs 710 crore; will coastal Karnataka get benefits

Mangalore Today News Network

March 01, 2015:  Taking account of  its strategic importance, the government on Feb 28, Saturday hiked allocation for coastal security Rs 710 crore, approximately five fold.  The three coastal districts of  DK, Udupi and UK will hopefully get a due share for development.

In the Budget allocation, the Union Home Ministry is to receive a Rs 560 crore increase. Last July, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had allocated only Rs 150 crore under this head though the ministry managed to spend only Rs 39.37 crore. Officials said the money would be utilised for setting up of mobile check posts in coastal areas of the country for better surveillance to check illegal activities. India has a coastline of 7,517 km, and Karnataka has a good demand.

Improving coastal security has been high on government’s agenda since the 26/11 attacks. However, the project did not progress as needed. In 2012-13, Rs 79.97 crore was spend on setting up of mobile check posts. In 2013-14, Rs 150 crore was allocated but the Ministry could utilise Rs 70 crore only.

The allocation of Rs 710 crore is part of Rs 68,444.10 crore allocated for the Union Home Ministry. The total allocation shows that the Ministry got a 4.1 per cent hike.  Paramilitary forces and other central police units got Rs 62,124.52 crore, an increase Rs 4,800 crore over previous allocation.  It is for the departments and officers concerned to insure the best untilization for Karnataka coast too.