Greater Noida: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given approval to the ITBP to establish 47 border outposts. This year 28 types of new vehicles have been provided. A budget of Rs 7,223 crore has been allocated for the ITBP and more than Rs 15 crore has been sanctioned for management. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy informed while giving speech on the 59th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Saturday. Reddy took the salute of the parade and said that since its inception in 1962, the ITBP has been protecting our borders. No matter whatever the difficulties, ITBP Jawans perform their duties with high morale and patriotism in the service of Mother India. Raising day parade was organised in Greater Noida.
Acknowledging the services rendered by the ITBP, Reddy said that the Force is working with zeal and high order of professionalism even in the uncongenial and extreme conditions on our mountainous borders. He said whether it is battling terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir or Left Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh, the ITBP has performed with excellence.
The minister said when the country was battling the Corona pandemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ITBP personnel also took part. During the Lockdown, essential items were supplied by the ITBP to people residing in remote areas. He emphasized the selfless service rendered by the ITBP in various efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Under the guidance of Amit Shah, ITBP was given the responsibility of running the world's largest COVID -19 hospital in Chhatarpur, named the Sardar Patel Covid Hospital, which was set by ITBP as an example of service to humanity. Reddy also said that whether the youth in Chhattisgarh have to be connected with sports, to provide clean drinking water to the general public, or to set up medical camps in remote areas, ITBP Jawans have worked tirelessly. They also saved precious human lives by transporting patients to hospitals on foot for several kilometres.
Reddy said ITBP personnel also play an active role in making government's schemes a success. At the behest of the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, a large number of saplings were planted in an effort to protect the environment. ITBP Jawans largely inspired the public to be fit through the 'Fit India Movement.' The ITBP also contributes significantly to the nation's economic development. The ITBP has played a part in thwarting efforts from across the border aimed at slowing our economic development.
Paying tributes to ITBP martyrs, the minister said he would like to assure families of the martyrs, that the nation and the government shall always stand with them. He presented six Presidential Police Medals to ITBP personnel and 23 Police Medals for Meritorious Services. Concluding his address he said that the nation will always be proud and indebted to the ITBP personnel for their sacrifice and valour.
Earlier, the Director-General of ITBP SS Deswal briefed the Union Minister of State about the recent activities of the ITBP. Deswal said efforts are being made for the modernisation of ITBP, including the purchase of modern vehicles, jackets, helmets etc. Deswal said he was proud that the ITBP has got an opportunity to serve the country during the adverse circumstances of COVID-19, in which health services and other services were provided free of cost.
Raised on October 24, 1962 during India-China War, the ITBP primarily guards the nation's 3,488 kilometre long borders in the Himalayas at the BOPs located at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 18,800 feet. Apart from guarding the border, the Force is also deployed for Anti-Naxal operations and other internal security duties.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)