Unfazed by the opposition attack for the decision to raise a special police force to guard Dalit monuments in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has begun the process for recruitment of 1200 ex-servicemen as its personnel.
An official spokesman today said the government order for recruitment of ex-servicemen to guard the parks, memorials and museums in Lucknow and NOIDA was issued yesterday.
After failing to get the Governor’s nod for a bill and an ordinance in this regard, the state government took a controversial decision on April 2 to start recruitment for a police force to guard parks and memorials for Dalit icons.
The sudden decision drew flak from opposition parties which accused the Chief Minister of challenging the sanctity of the Governor’s office and the legislature.
Samajwadi Party, BJP and Congress said it was not the law of the land but “Mayawati law” which was prevailing in the state.
The spokesman said a committee, comprising the Director General of Police and state Home Secretary would conduct the recruitment in coordination with the ex-servicemen welfare board.
The new force will be headed by a colonel level officer.
Last week the state cabinet had decided to set up a special force pending Governor B L Joshi’s assent to the UP Special Zone Protection Force Bill and an ordinance sent to him by the state government earlier.
The government had said a trained force was needed to protect nine parks, memorials and museums in Lucknow and NOIDA.