Gupta said the Cabinet also approved a proposal to strengthen the special branches and earmark funds to acquire and put in place scanners and other security-related equipment.

An additional 6,000 posts have already been sanctioned for the Intelligence Bureau, while Delhi Police would have 7612 more posts. Eleven additional police stations have also been cleared for the national capital, he said.

On the Research and Technology Wing of the IB, Gupta said it would be a dedicated centre for continuous monitoring and analysis of the new modus operandi of terrorists. It would also keep pace with new technologies and counter-terror operations.

Regarding metro-policing, the Home Secretary said the Union Cabinet also approved a separate sub-scheme for policing in the metros, for which the Centre would provide assistance for intelligence monitoring and surveillance.

In a bid to provide special security cover in areas where large number of people congregate, it would be mandatory for major market places, shopping malls, multiplexes and hotels to have "minimum, necessary benchmark security systems," he said.

As part of the awareness-building campaign, the state governments would be encouraged to follow the 'Eyes and Ears' scheme of the Delhi Police, of involving residents and market associations to tone up security.

The Delhi Police have identified 58 market places and 27 border points where CCTVs would be installed and the Home Ministry would be implementing this plan in a "time-bound and a turnkey manner" to avoid the tedious tendering procedures.

As many as 138 additional vehicles would also be provided to the Police Control Room in the city to keep a close vigil in the security scenario, the Home Secretary said.

... contd.