Lok Sabha Question No. 3870 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-12-22
Subject: Weapons for CoBRA
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MALLIKARJUN  KHARGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3870

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22 ND  DECEMBER, 2015/PAUSHA 1, 1937 (SAKA)

## WEAPONS FOR COBRA

3870. SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  total  number  of  Commando  Battalions  for  Resolute  Actions (CoBRA) sanctioned/raised by the Government during the last three years and the current year;
- (b) the total number of posts sanctioned/vacant in the CoBRA;
- (c) whether the CoBRA has been provided with the required ammunitions and  weaponry  necessary  for  combat  operations  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d) the funds allocated/utilized in this regard during the said period;
- (e)  whether  the  CoBRA  battalions  deployed  in  the  Naxal-affected  areas have been provided with adequate quarters and ration facilities; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and other facilities provided in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (b): Ten  (10)  Commando  Battalions  for  Resolute  Action  (CoBRA) were sanctioned by the Government in 2008.  All of these Battalions have been  raised.  No  CoBRA  has  been  sanctioned  by  the  Government  during the last three years and current year. Arising of vacancies is a routine process due to retirements, resignations, etc.  Timely action is taken to fill up the vacancies by direct recruitment, promotion, deputation, etc.

(c) to (d): CoBRA units have been provided with adequate arms

and  ammunitions  and  weaponry  to  meet  different  threat  situations effectively.  Arms  &  ammunitions  for  CRPF  as  well  as  CoBRA  Battalions are procured centrally as per requirement. Funds allocation and utilization of funds under head Arms & Ammunition (General) and (Modernization) to CRPF (including CoBRA) during the year 2012-13 to 2015-16 are as under:-

(Rs. in crore)

| Head of                           | 2012-13         | 2012-13   | 2013-14         | 2013-14   | 2014-15         | 2014-15   | 2015-16         | 2015-16                |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------|-----------|-----------------|-----------|-----------------|-----------|-----------------|------------------------|
| account                           | Budget Estimate | Actual    | Budget Estimate | Actual    | Budget Estimate | Actual    | Budget Estimate | Actual upto 16.12.2015 |
| Arms & Ammunition (General)       | 265.00          | 193.98    | 300.00          | 236.59    | 290.23          | 176.94    | 290.23          | 44.30                  |
| Arms & Ammunition (Modernization) | 10.00           | 0.00      | 10.00           | 0.00      | 15.00           | 0.00      | 15.75           | 0.00                   |
| Total                             | 275.00          | 193.98    | 310.00          | 236.59    | 305.23          | 176.94    | 305.98          | 44.30                  |

(e)  to  (f):  Government  has  sanctioned  construction  of  adequate  family quarters, as per authorization, for the CoBRA deployed in naxal affected area.  CRPF jawans including CoBRA personnel are provided with Ration Money Allowance @ Rs.95.52 per day in lieu of ration,  at  par  with  Army personnel.  The  personnel  upto  the  rank  of  Commandant  in  CoBRA Battalions are entitled to 80% of Marine Commandos  Allowance. Government has also approved for extension of the facility of retention of Government  accommodation  at  the  last  place  of  posting  for  Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel deployed/posted in naxal  affected areas/districts  (except  State  capitals),  on  payment  of  flat  rate/normal licence fee.

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