Question : FEDERAL POLICE FORCE

(a) whether the Union Government propose to set up a Federal Police Force/Central Investigating Agency in the country taking into account the growing network of terrorist groups;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a similar proposal mooted earlier was dropped subsequently due to opposition from some State Governments;

(d) if so, the reasons for opposing the proposal alongwith the names of States who opposed the proposal;

(e) whether the Government have issued any guidelines to the States in the matter of dealing with the terrorists; and

(f) if so, the response of the State Governments thereto ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI I.D. SWAMI)

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 6 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.2.2002 REGARDING CREATION OF FEDERAL POLICE FORCE

(a) to (d): The issue of setting up a Federal Investigating Agency to deal with certain specified offences which have inter-State and/or nation-wide ramifications was considered at length in the Union Government. The issue was also discussed in different fora including in the Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security. It has been decided not to pursue the proposal for the present due to the perception of some States that this could impinge upon their sphere of responsibility withregard to the maintenance of law and order.

(e) & (f): The State Governments have been advised to enact legislation for the control of organised crime, on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act. The State Governments have also been advised to set up special units for monitoring, investigating and pursuing organised criminal gangs and coordinate with counterpart units in the neighbouing States as well as in the central agencies. In order to effectively deal with the terrorist groups/activities, the Government of India promulgated the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance on the 24th of October 2001; which was replaced by the Prevention of Terrorism (Second) Ordinance promulgated on the 30th of December 2001.