Imphal, February 15: Delay in releasing budgetary allocation has been attributed for the failure to implement the police upgradation and National Highway Patrolling Scheme, according to State Home department sources.

Inspite of budget grants totalling Rs 8.5 crores for the two schemes during the current fiscal, there is still no sign of the projects being implemented even as the current financial year is about to end.

The next fiscal will start in March.

The matter had figured prominently during the monthly review meeting convened recently and presided by Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh, disclosed the source.

Inclusive of the State share, the Eleventh Finance Commission had awarded Rs 7.5 crore for effective counter insurgency operation involving the State police under the Police Upgradation scheme.

The scheme earmarked Rs 2.34 crores for construction of 20 police station buildings; Rs 24 lakhs for renovation of 27 other police stations that should have requisite amenities to house women police personnel; Rs 1.69 crores for purchase of arms and ammunition; provision for establishing nine Forensic Science laboratories at an estimated cost of Rs 1.08 crores and Rs 53 lakhs for procurement of the laboratory accessories; and Rs 53 lakhs to improve modern police gadgets, detailed the source.

The source further said that those areas identified for additional police station building constructions are Sugnu, Moirang, Heingang, Nungba, Patsoi, Chassad, Parbung, Chandel, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal, Irilbung, Lamsang, Phungyar, Henglep, Khoupum, Singhat, Chinglai, Nambol, Tengnoupal and Tousem.

On the other hand, to minimise disruption along National Highway-39 due to frequent sabotage act by anti-social elements the national Highway Patrolling Scheme was envisaged to enhance security cover.

Under this scheme totalled allocated amount of Rs 1 crore was made to the State Government for construction activities at Kalapahar, Kathikho and Taphou areas.

The budgetary break-up concerns Rs 9.8 lakhs for constructions of toilet blocks at the three specified sites; Rs 34.8 lakhs for 40 SM barracks; similar barrack construction having arms court at Rs 36.18 lakhs; and kitchen cum dinning halls pegged at Rs 22.90 lakhs.

Describing the implementation status of these schemes as �nil� due to State Government�s non-release of the allocated amount, the source however, expressed confidence of the State Government making an all out effort to release the funds as failure to do so would mean returning the sanctioned amount to the Finance Commission.

Inspite of uncertainty still prevailing on the matter, the source said target had been set to fully implement the schemes within March end.

Meanwhile, out of Rs 2.50 crore budgetary allocation pertaining to police housing Schemes, only Rs 28 lakhs could be utilised so far, informed the source.

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