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Srinagar, Oct 09: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has said that the sanctioned strength of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir Police is 34,707, of which 32,355 have been appointed, while their remuneration has been enhanced up to Rs 18000 per month.

The ministry’s annual report for 2022-23 from April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 states that the institution of SPOs was started from 1995.

It states that the basic concept of creation of SPOs was to provide auxiliary help to law enforcing agencies in the drive against terrorism and involve the local population for their own protection as well as to help the J&K Police and paramilitary forces in curbing the menace of militancy.

“They are led and guided by the J&K Police in various assignments entrusted to them. At present, sanctioned strength of SPOs is 34,707; of which 32,355 SPOs are appointed. The remuneration of SPOs of has been enhanced up to Rs 18000 per month,” the report said.

The report also said that government has approved raising of the 3 battalions for Jammu & Kashmir Police including 5 Indian Reserve (IR) Battalions, 2 Border Battalions and 2 Women Battalions

The report states that the recruitment process had been completed for 5 IR Battalions, while recruitment process of 2 Border Battalions and 2 Women Battalions has been initiated.

It also states that in view of the security scenario, Village Defence Group scheme was notified by J&K government in 1995. “Now, the scheme has been revised and notified on 14.08.2022. The members of the Village Defence Group are designated as Village Defence Guard. At present, the sanctioned strength of Village Defence Group is 4,985, of which 4,153 Village Defence Group have been constituted.” kns