Without disclosing the names and details of security cover provided to different protected persons in view of the alleged security considerations, the government Tuesday revealed that 1890 protected persons are being provided security cover by the Security Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.The government said that 634 vehicles have been deployed with 373 protected persons. Besides, 284 political persons have been allotted secured hotel accommodation only.In response to a query raised by National Conference legislator Javed Ahmed Rana, the government said that last year all but Rs 21.04 crore had been incurred on the expenditure of salary of PSO’s, static guard, escort, fuel and hotel accommodation in respect of 2174 (1890+284) availing hotel accommodation.“The salary of police personnel other than SPO’s, deployed as PSO’s or on Guard/escort duties with protected persons is being borne by the state government,” the government according to news agency CNS said adding that the claims under transportation and accommodation are being reimbursed by the Government of India as per SRE guidelines.
“Ministry for Home Affairs releases 60 per cent of the funds at the time of receipt of claims and 40 per cent is being reimbursed after MHA conducts audit of the accounts.”In response to another question, the government said that the security cover to the protected persons is provided as per the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India as laid down in Yellow Book. “The security of these protected persons is reviewed periodically by the Security Review Coordination Committee (SRCC) constituted by the state government. Besides the security of Chief Minister, former Chief Ministers and their immediate family members is governed under J&K Special Security Group Act, 2000, while the security cover is provided on the basis of threat perception reports, the yellow book also provides for position based on security cover.”The Government maintained that the guidelines as contained in the Yellow Book are being strictly followed and there is no violation of norms. (CNS)