Shinde lays foundation stones of series BSF, SSB projects

Shinde says work of central paramilitary forces was commendable at all levels

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Monday laid foundation stones of a series of battalion location centres of Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the headquarters of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) at Sitarganj and Dehradun.

Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said that the work of central paramilitary forces was commendable at all levels. Forces like SSB and BSF, at one level, defended the borders while, on the other, rescued people in the disaster affected areas.

He declared that BSF jawans deployed in Bengal’s Sundarbans and Kutchh in Gujarat would be provided hardship allowance. He said that after the formation of SSB and BSF battalions in Uttarakhand State, employment opportunities and priority in recruitment would be given to the youth of the state.

Shinde extended his condolences to those who had lost their lives in the June disaster and also expressed concern for the families of the deceased. He appreciated the Uttarakhand Government for the swift rescue work undertaken by it and said that this was the largest ever rescue operation conducted in the countr.

He further said that the soldiers of para-military forces would be given canteen facilities like the Armed Forces. He assured the people present that the union government would always support the state government in any disaster relief work.

Bahuguna expressed gratitude to home minister and said that it was because of his contribution that formation of units of BSF and SSB was taking place in Uttarakhand. He added that work was on to resume normal services in the disaster affected areas of the state, with reconstruction work boosting the economy.

On the occasion, he also sanctioned an Up-Mandi costing RS 7.66 crore in Shakti Farm; construction of and ITI in Tehsil Kichha and two hi-tech public toilets in Sitarganj, costing Rs 19 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya said that despite the disaster, development work was underway in the state. He thanked the centre for the support extended to the state. In his address, he said that the country was safe only because of the soldiers deployed on the borders.

He demanded declaration of forest villages of Lauka and Gautha as revenue villages, as well as for provision of canteen services for the paramilitary forces.