Raipur: Presenting the Budget for the FY2022-23; CM Bhupesh Baghel enhanced the security of the state from Maoists. As per the announcement made by Baghel, a new convoy of security forces the District Strike Forces would be deployed in the Naxal-insurgent areas of the state.

The DSF would be an additional force that would combat the Naxals. It is speculated that the DSF would facilitate the promotion of experienced assistant constables who included erstwhile Special police officers, victims of Naxal violence and surrendered rebels. He added that the state will also have Anti-Crime and Cyber Units at Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur to investigate high-tech crimes. Provision of creating 23 new posts for constitution of anti-human trafficking bureau, vigilance cell, grievance cell at the state level for prevention of human trafficking is also being initiated.

In a media interaction, Bastar IG Sundarraj confirmed that the guidelines for the constitution of DSF would be given by the Home Ministry. At present, a force of 3000 District Reserve Guards is deployed on the Naxal Front.

Chief Minister also said that over 114 posts were created for beefing up the security arrangements at airports in Bilaspur and Jagdalpur districts.

Apart from this, the budget of Rs 1lakh 4 thousand crores, proposed a provision of 417 crores for Saur Sujala Yojana. Rs 2600 crores were outlaid for free power supply to agricultural pumps up to 5 HP, benefitting 5 Lakh farmers from the scheme. Rs 931 crores were side-lined for minor irrigation projects additionally.