Cabinet meet 29.04.2010

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Police officials gallantry awards

Karnataka Governor H. R. Bhardwaj has presented the awards to the policemen at a ceremony organised by the Home Department at Raj Bhavan to present medals to the distinguished police officials.

Medals for the years 2007 and 2008 were given to 55 police officials for their invaluable services. These included President’s police gallantry medals (for showing extra-ordinary courage and risking their own lives), President’s Distinguished Police Medals (for extra-ordinary efficiency and dedication over a period of time) and Police Meritorious Service Medals (for those who have completed 20 years of service and shown efficiency, commitment besides making achievements).

I can act tough: Acharya

The soft spoken doctor, who took over as home minister two years ago, has had a stormy innings so far with his handling of sizzling controversies including the church attacks and the acts of moral policing leaving a lot to be desired. Probably one of the most criticised ministers in the state Cabinet besides the Reddy brothers of course, Dr V.S. Acharya has stoically taken it all in his stride knowing quite well that the public outcry would die down sooner than later. This trusted associate of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa spoke to Bhaskar Hegde about the law and order situation in the state and police reforms.

Excerpts from Deccan Chronicle

You will soon be completing two years in office. Looking back, how do you rate your performance as home minister?

I am pretty satisfied. The law and order situation should not be gauged in isolation. If you were to take into account the situation prevailing across the country, we are definitely better off. Several initiatives have been launched including the modernisation of the police force and the internal security wings including ATS, ANF and Coastal Security Force. I am confident that in a year or so, there will be perceptible changes.
There does not seem to be any perceptible change at the grassroots, be it corruption or the problems in ensuring a speedy and fair investigation into controversial cases.

We just cannot wish away corruption. We are implementing several measures like filing e-complaints which can put an end to the misuse of power. I agree that there is an urgent need to clamp down on corruption but this has to start from the top. We are trying to be a role model on that front. Take any parameter like crime detection rate, recovery rate and conviction rate, Karnataka’s performance is far better than other states.

Caste and cash deals seem to be playing a big role in the appointment and transfer of officials.
We have introduced a new system wherein everyone should function in both executive and non-executive posts. We have set up a Police Establishment Board which will take care of police transfers. Transfer of officials above the rank of deputy superintendent of police, is done through the department of personnel and administrative reforms (DPAR). I have to admit that there is a lot of pressure on us. We are implementing changes, slowly though.

Coming to the issue of security, the city has witnessed two bomb blasts in two years. They were low-intensity bombs which ensured the damage was minimal. Would you admit that you have failed to come up with a fool-proof strategy to secure the IT hub of the country?

We are facing logistic problems. Some of the accused were trained in Kerala. They come here, finish their assignment and go back. They don’t do it there. I would still assert that compared to Mumbai or any other north Indian city, we are much safer. Of course, there is a lot to learn once a major incident like a bomb blast happens. The blasts at Chinnaswamy stadium have forced us to put in place a new protocol. In future, we will take over the entire premises when a match or an important event is happening, not just the ground or the galleries.

Aren’t you going to fix responsibility and take disciplinary action against senior officials to send out the message that they cannot be caught napping like this?

The investigation has just started. We have to complete the investigation before fixing responsibility.

The Opposition had accused you of being soft, naive and a proxy home minister. Do you feel you deserve to be described in this manner?
I have been tough when the situation demands such an approach. I do not have to be assertive and make a show of it. If someone is saying I am not assertive, I can give an example to counter them. Which home minister would refuse to extend the deadline for the city’s night life despite all the pressure to do so? It show how strong I can be. And I am no dummy. In a democratic set-up, crucial decisions are taken after consulting the Chief Minister.

25.04.2010: VSA by Sathya in KannadaPrabha

24.04.2010: Shimoga

Strict vigil is being maintained on naxal movements in Malnad, says Acharya (TheHindu)

SHIMOGA: Home Minister V.S. Acharya said on Saturday that naxal activities in the districts of Shimoga, Chikmagalur and Udupi were completely under control.

Speaking to presspersons before the inauguration of the Gamaka programme organised at Hosahalli near here, Dr. Acharya said that strict vigil was being maintained on the movements of naxalites in the Malnad region. All facilities were being provided to the police and the Anti-Naxal Squad personnel to carry out operations, he said

The rules of the Forest Department in the region were hampering full-fledged combing operations against naxals, Mr. Acharya said. A meeting of officers from the Police and Forest separtments was convened at an undisclosed place near Karkala in Udupi district on April 16 to address the issue, he added.

Dr. Acharya said that investigations were on to identify the culprits behind the explosions outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. It was not unwise to disclose the identity of the masterminds before the investigation was complete, he said.

Announcement

Dr. Acharya announced on the occasion that the Government would provide Rs. 100 crore for the development of Koliwad in Dharwad district, the birth of place of poet Kumaravyasa.

He said that the Veeranarayana Temple of Gadag, which inspired Kumaravyasa, would be developed as a research centre.

He said that the government would provide all the necessary help and support in preserving and developing Gamaka.

Dr. Acharya announced that Kumaravyasa Award would be given from this year to encouraging the Gamaka artistes. The award comprises cash award of Rs. 3 lakh.

Mathoor Markandeya Avadhani and H.R. Keshavamurthy presented a Gamaka recital.

Police too have Human Rights!

As if fighting the Maoists was not enough, the police involved in the anti-Naxal operations in Chattisgarh are stretched on another front where they have to spend a considerable time in courts.

Police often get bogged down by cases of alleged human rights violations in various courts resulting in diversion of manpower affecting its operational capabilities in the operations in the Naxal-hit state, top police officers said today.

And the man worried is none other than Director General of Chhatisgarh Police Vishwa Ranjan who finds himself in a catch-22 situation as his men have to spend more time in courts with lawyers to counter the propaganda of Naxals which is being spread through human rights activists.

The case of Dantewada, the heart of Maoist insurgency, has been cited by the police to buttress their point.

The district Superintendent of Police Amresh Misra has to spend half his time in Delhi with lawyers in a Public Interest Litigation filed before the Supreme Court by a human rights activist Himanshu Kumar alleging that 13 people were killed in fake encounters.

In fact, all the 13 persons were alive and their statements have been recorded before a magistrate in a Delhi Court, says Ranjan.

"But to counter this (allegation), my SP has to spend most of the time in Delhi briefing lawyers," he told PTI here. (Read Full Report)

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