In its first step to make Bihar crime-free, the National Democratic Alliance government, led by Nitish Kumar, has formulated an action plan under which it would seek, from the Centre, 50 more companies of central forces and other assistance to effectively check naxal activities and other crimes in the state.

"We have formulated an action plan to present during our meeting with Union Home ministry officials in New Delhi on Friday," state Home secretary H C Sirohi told PTI on Thursday.

Sirohi said under the action plan, the state would request the Centre to spare 50 companies of Central forces, in addition to the 24 companies already deployed in the naxal-infested areas in Bihar to carry out combing operations.

"The Central forces will be deployed in crime-infested belts to assist the police force to effectively control criminal activities," he said.

• The Bihar elections

Sirohi said the action plan would also cover various components required for effective policing, including complete modernisation of the police establishment.

IG (Provision) S K Bhardwaj said an estimated Rs 100 crore meant for police modernisation was lying unspent with the state Home (Police) department since 2000.

He said, under the police modernisation scheme, steps would be taken to increase the mobility of police force by purchasing vehicles, latest arms and ammunition, the quotas for which would be decided by the Centre.

Besides this, there will be total computerisation of the police department, construction of buildings and arranging necessary equipment for strengthening the communication network.

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