Question : REVIEW OF LAW AND ORDER SITUATION

(a) whether the Union Government has reviewed the law and order situation in the country especially in the context of rise in terror incidents, increasing naxal violence, regionalism and communal tensions prevailing in different States;

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has/proposes to initiate consultation with the State Governments on improving/ upgrading/augmenting the law and order enforcement mechanism in the country including legal and police reforms; and

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof alongwith the views/ recommendations received from the States in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (d): As per the Constitution, “Public Order” is a State subject, and it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to take action to maintain law and order in their states. However, Article 355 of the constitution enjoins the Central Government to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. In pursuance of these obligations, the Central Government monitors and reviews internal security situation in the country from time to time, and in the process, maintains close contact with State Governments besides sharing information with them. Whenever necessary, advisories are also sent to the State Governments. On many occasions, the Central Government, on the request of the State Governments(s) also provides assistance in the form of deployment of Central para- military forces to aid States to effectively deal with the situation.

Further, consultations with State Governments on improving, augmenting/upgrading law and order enforcement mechanism including police reforms, are an ongoing process.