The Cell’s officials at present enjoy certain privileges that local police personnel do not. For instance, Special Cell officials can carry two numberplates on their vehicles to confuse criminals; they also have access to latest arms and ammunitions introduced to the force. They are also sent for training from time to time.

Another important reason why the department has taken up the issue now is to raise morale of the Cell’s officials, which hit a nadir after Special Cell Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma died during an encounter against suspected militants at Batla House recently, a senior officer said. Questions were raised on the legitimacy of the encounter, which policemen said did no good to the morale of Special Cell sleuths.

“Under such circumstances we would be happy to whatever we can to raise their level of motivation,” the officer said. The source said while authorities had promised proposals for special allowances to Special Cell officials on earlier occasions too, it was never followed up properly.

“We hope the proposal would finally be drafted and given to the government this time,” a Special Cell officer said.

WHAT extra allowances

* 15% additional monthly salary

* Gadget like latest laptop and cellphones among others

WHY extra allowances

* Officers reason that Special Cell sleuths deal with militants and other hardened criminals and ‘are more prone to danger’

* To raise morale among Special Cell officers after Cell Inspector M C Sharma’s death in Batla House encounter

... contd.