Thackeray government decides to enact Maharashtra Public Security Act

To tackle the menace of Naxalism in Maharashtra the Thackeray government has decided to enact the  Maharashtra Public Security Act. Home Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde told reporters that the Chief Minister has given a clearance to the act, which would be along the lines of Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act of 2005.

Shinde said that after the Winter Session of the State Legislature was over in Nagpur, he had travelled to the Naxal terrorism affected Gadchiroli district and had observed many difficulties faced by the local police and administration, therefore, a review meeting was held in his chambers with senior police and state government officials.

The Chhattisgarh Act has received a lot of criticism from civil society groups as all the violations of the law are cognizable and non-bailable. Well-known doctor and tribal activist Binayak Sen was convicted for sedition under the Chhattisgarh Act but later after he had received bail from the Supreme Court.

Shinde said that along the lines of Border Road Organisation, special squads would be set up, which would complete the pending work of roads and bridges in the Naxal affected Gadchiroli district. In each squad, 30 per cent of the personnel will be from security forces and the rest from engineering and construction departments.

The State Government staff stationed in the district will also receive a special incentive package for which policy would also be formulated. If the new entrants in the State government service opt for Gadchiroli in their first posting then they will receive the special incentive package plus an option to seek transfer to any other location after two years of service.

Their letter of appointments will carry the future date after which they can seek transfer to other locations, he said.