'Visa-based data' needed on foreigners visiting India: Ahir

Union minister of state for home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today called for the creation of "visa-based data" of foreign nationals visiting India.
While speaking at the 70th Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police held in northwest Delhi's New Police Lines, Ahir stressed on creating a database of foreign nationals visiting India since many a times, they overstay their visa.
"It is the need of the hour to work on creating this data to safeguard our country," he said while referring to the recent arrest of a Nigerian by the Narcotics Control Bureau for allegedly smuggling cocaine by ingesting it.
The minister also said that 85,000-strong Delhi Police is under tremendous pressure since it guards the national capital that houses the Parliament and various ministries.

"Delhi Police has to be more alert while doing their duty. You don't have to only contend with criminal elements but also forces that are trying to weaken the country," he said.
He also referred to the recent data released by Delhi Police that portrayed a marginal decline of two per cent in rape cases in 2016 and hoped that the good work will continue in the future.

"Incidents of rape came down by two per cent and we hope that they should reduce by 20 per cent. There has been a decline in cases of molestation, kidnapping of children and these things (the decline) should continue in the future," Ahir said.

He assured Delhi Police that the Centre will support police in every way, while alluding to the huge promotions given in the force last year and the allocation of Rs 6,378.18 crore to Delhi Police in the Union Budget, including an almost nine-time increase in the Nirbhaya fund from last year.
Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik said that his first priority is to develop a better sense of security among people of Delhi, a point also made by Ahir in his address.
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"Lt Governor of Delhi has cleared a time-bound scheme for promotions of sub-inspectors and inspectors. Under this scheme, 575 assistant sub-inspectors will soon become sub-inspectors and 175 sub-inspectors will be promoted to inspectors," Patnaik said.

He also said that personnel should be more sensitive and people should be able to see more transparency and honesty in them.
While addressing the force, he also mentioned about a proposal sent by Delhi Police to bring the pay scales of sub-inspectors at par with those of personnel of other central armed police forces.
"We had sent a proposal to Lt Governor of Delhi regarding the pay scales of our personnel and he has cleared the file and forwarded it to the Home Ministry. I would request the Home Ministry to approve the proposal," he said.
Ahir earlier inspected the guard of honour and took the salute following the parade which was commanded by ACP Balram.

He also presented medals to officers for gallantry and meritorious services.
This year, UP police contingent took part in the parade for the first time.
Apart from several contingents representing armed police, and traffic police, others who participated in the parade included the dog squad, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, water cannon force and mounted police.