Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday flagged off 219 new police vehicles procured under the Assistance to States and UTs for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme.
The programme was held at the 3rd Battalion MAP Parade Ground, Mualpui. Home Minister K. Sapdanga and senior police officials attended the programme.
A total of 219 vehicles have been procured under the scheme, with some yet to arrive. Every Police Station in Mizoram (44 in total will receive at least one new vehicle, 15 outposts will benefit re-allocation. The new vehicles shall also be alloted to Battalions, Specialised Units and Police Training Schools.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Mizoram has received Rs. 44.53 crore under the ASUMP Scheme, including the State’s share, of which Rs. 30.45 crore has been utilised for vehicle procurement. The remaining funds have been used for the purchase of modern policing equipment and infrastructure.
He noted that vehicle procurement under the Police Modernisation Scheme had not been permitted since 2017, creating transportation challenges for the Police Department. Following sustained efforts by the State Government and Mizoram Police, particularly the office of the Director General of Police, approval was eventually secured. He also pointed out that Mizoram had been unable to avail benefits under the scheme since 2021 due to technical issues and described its restoration under his government as a significant achievement.
The Chief Minister urged recipients to maintain the vehicles properly so that they can serve the Police Department for many years.
Director General of Police Sharad Agarwal said that the initiative was aimed not only at acquiring new vehicles but also at strengthening the Police Force and enhancing its operational capability to meet the demands of modern policing.
