MHA gives in-principle approval to formation of five additional battalions of Assam Rifles

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Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai said that Ministry of Home Affairs has given in-principle approval to the formation of five additional battalions of Assam Rifles so that after field postings, jawans can get an opportunity to live with their families in a friendly environment.

He added that the government has given the Assam Rifles the powers under the NDPS Act. This was a well thought out decision, as a result of which Assam Rifles has seized narcotics and drugs worth about Rs. 40 crores during the last year.

Rai addressed the 187th Raising Day celebrations of the Assam Rifles in Shillong. The Union Minister of State for Home said that the Assam Rifles during its glorious history has contributed significantly to the maintenance of peace and harmony in the insurgency affected areas of the North East and Jammu and Kashmir and has performed exemplary work in preventing drug trafficking. Assam Rifles is an all-rounder force, it has two battalions stationed in Jammu and Kashmir and one NDRF battalion, which is playing its active role in case of natural calamities.

Rai said the interests of the security forces along with the interest of the country have always been of paramount importance for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government has taken many decisions for the welfare of the security forces and their families. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Assam Rifles are the watchdog of the North East and the oldest paramilitary force in the country with a rich history of valour and courage.

The Union Minister of State for Home said that with the objective of enhancing the structural operations and functionalities of the force, work is on for recruitment and cadre review. The previous cadre review was in 2003, the new cadre review will help in meeting the needs of the times and improve organizational efficiency.

Rai said the plan for modernization of Assam Rifles has also been approved and is presently in the implementation stage. Along with this, infrastructure for state-of-the-art weapons, communication, surveillance and training will also be strengthened.