Question : MEETING OF CHIEF MINISTERS

(a) whether the Centre has convened an All India Chief Ministers Conference on internal security on April 15, 2005;

(b) if so, the details of issues raised/discussed and the decisions arrived at; and

(c) the follow-up action taken thereon, if any?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MANIKRAO HODLYA GAVIT)

(a): A day long Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security and Law and Order was held on April 15, 2005, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

(b): A Statement is attached.

(c): All concerned are being requested to take follow up action on the decisions/recommendations of the Conference.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5756 FOR ANSWER ON 3.5.2005 REGARDING MEETING OF CHIEF MINISTERS

The Conference reviewed the internal security and law and order situation in the country, shared perceptions and assessments of various security related issues and deliberated on the strategies and measures for effectively dealing with major areas of concern impacting the security environment. It also took stock of the internal and external security dimensions and socio-economic aspects of extremism and emphasized the imperative need to undertake and implement policies and strategies to cater to these aspects of the problem. Some of the important issues discussed and decisions taken were as follow.

(i)	There was a broad consensus that extremism has to be dealt with jointly by the Central and the	State Governments through simultaneous pursuit and resolution of security and development issues.	As regards the introduction of a comprehensive insurance scheme to be funded by the Central	Government to cover State Police Forces, it was noted that the MHA had already covered a scheme	for full reimbursement under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme for naxal affected areas.	The States having naxal affected areas unanimously agreed that the problem of naxalism calls for	a coordinated response. Therefore, it was decided to constitute a Standing Committee comprising	Chief Ministers of naxal affected States to be headed by the Union Home Minister to periodically	meet, initiate and pursue a coordinated approach and measures on both security and development	fronts to curb naxal violence and activity. Simultaneously, speedy implementation of land reforms,	resolution of tribal related issues, generation of employment opportunities have to be taken up on	priority. It was felt that a responsive, sensitive and transparent administration is a must for	redressal of genuine public grievances and to provide good governance particularly in the districts	affected by extremism. 

(ii)	It was noted that the scheme of India Reserve Battalions is useful in strengthening the security	apparatus in the States as also providing employment to the youth particularly in the extremists	affected areas.

(iii)	Strengthening of Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders was emphasised by some of	the Chief Ministers. The Conference decided that necessary steps will be taken to expedite fencing	particularly along vulnerable stretches to be expedited as also border roads along Indo-Bangladesh	border. Need to strengthen the coastal States was emphasized. 

(iv) Most of the States emphasized the need for time-bound implementation of multi purpose national	identity card (MNIC) scheme with an emphasis on border and coastal areas.

(v) The need for effective measures to reduce the crimes against women, children and weaker sections	of the society was emphasized. 

(vi) As regards the Police Modernisation Scheme, the Conference resolved that the States will devise	ways and means and set up monitoring mechanisms at Chief Minister and Chief Secretary levels to	ensure that funds released by the Central Government for upgradation of security and intelligence	apparatus at the State level are promptly and fully utilized and the desired outputs achieved.	The States will also contribute their matching share by making the necessary Budget provision. 

(vii) The Prime Minister, Home Minister and the Chief Ministers stressed the need to ensure time bound	implementation of certain identified recommendations on police reforms.