Union ministers criticise DGP's comment on central funds

Rejecting Odisha DGP's reported remark on "stoppage" of Central allocation for police modernisation in the state, two Union ministers today said that Chief Minister should take up the matter with the Centre.
Two Union ministers - Jual Oram and Mahesh Sharma, gave their views a day after Oil and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik for the latter's remark on stoppage of Central funds for police modernisation in the State.
"If the State has any grievance relating to Central funds, the Chief Minister should talk to the Union Home Minister on this. Why an IPS officer talks on this subject," Union Tribal Affairs minister Jual Oram, asked.

Union Tourism minister Mahesh Sharma, who is on a Odisha visit also said that the issue should be resolved through talks with the Union Home ministry. There is no point an officer taking up the matter, Sharma said.
Yesterday, Pradhan had said "I heard the recent criticism of Odisha DGP. This is not correct on part of an all India Service Officer to give such a statement."
Pradhan also alleged that the ruling party in Odisha has been engaging IAS and IPS officers in political activities in the state.
Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik on April 29 had said "Stopping of funds for police modernisation will certainly hit the police force. The Centre should review its decision. The state earlier used to get Rs 127 crore per annum from different heads for development of the police.