With internal security figuring on the top of the new government’s agenda, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday made significant increases in the allocations for setting up infrastructure facilities along India’s international borders, particularly those with China and Bangladesh, and for modernisation of police forces and strengthening of coastal security.

Announcing the 2009-10 Union Budget, Mukherjee said the government had earmarked an additional sum of Rs 2,284 crore, over and above the provision made in the interim budget announced earlier this year, for carrying out infrastructure projects in the border areas. This would include construction and maintenance of roads in remote and inaccessible areas, fencing of international boundaries, installation of flood lights, setting up of more border outposts and procurement of high-tech surveillance and communication equipment for border guards.

The areas along Bangladesh and China borders have got specific attention, and allocations for both have been more than doubled. While Rs 1076.23 crore has been allocated for carrying out these projects along the Bangladesh border, Rs 315 crore have been earmarked for similar work along the China border.

Allocations for Pakistan and Myanmar border have also been increased substantially.

Coastal security: Following last November’s terror attacks in Mumbai, which had exposed the vulnerability of India’s coastline, the government has embarked upon a major programme to strengthen security along the sea-shore. The government has earmarked Rs 187 crore for buying patrolling boats, setting up coastal police stations and similar works under this scheme.

Police modernisation: To help states upgrade their police forces, the government has made an additional provision of Rs 430 crore, which will be used to fund the various schemes under which the Centre disburses grants to the states for police modernisation.

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