To tackle non-conventional terror, Capt Amarinder Singh okays merger of 1st commando battalion into SOG. On Tuesday, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh gave in-principle approval to merge the 1st Commando Battalion in the Special Operations Group in a view to strengthen the state operational preparedness to counter non-traditional terror threats.
The merger will place an additional amount of Rs 16.54 Crores at the disposal of SOG, which would be utilised for modernisation and upgradation of weapons, besides incentivisation of the specialised force.
Captain Amarinder Singh has also given his nod to a proposal to provide risk allowance to commandos, at the rate of 40% of basic pay, on the lines of other state specialised forces across the country involving a cost of Rs. 5.15 crores for state exchequer. Expenditure on equipment, weapons, communication systems and building infrastructure would be done in a phased manner, with Rs. 8.66 crores to be spent in the first year.
The Chief Minister announced these decisions at a high-level meeting to review the overall police preparedness to deal with terror related contingencies.