The Indian government has launched a significant initiative to strengthen the training infrastructure for police forces in states affected by insurgency and terrorism. The “Setting up of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist Schools (CIATSs)” scheme aims to equip police personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat these threats. This article outlines the scheme’s objectives, structure, and progress.
Background and Purpose
Recognizing the need for specialized training in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations, the government approved the establishment of 20 CIATSs during the 11th Plan period. These schools are primarily located in states significantly affected by these threats, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Orissa. The scheme aims to train 75,000 police personnel in these specialized fields.
Scheme Structure and Components
The scheme is designed with a focus on practical, outdoor training, and does not involve large-scale permanent constructions. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provides funds for:
-
Establishment of CIATSs.
-
Recurring expenditure for operational costs.
-
Equipment upgrades.
State governments are responsible for providing the land for these schools and administrative support for their operations. The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) is responsible for signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the respective states.
Financial Allocations
The scheme has a total budget of Rs. 52.40 crore. The activity-wise financial allocation is as follows:
| Financial Year | Activity | Activity-wise revised estimates allocation |
| 2008-09 | Establishment of 8 CIAT Schools (1.5 Crore x 8) | 12.00 Crore |
| Establishment of 8 CIAT Schools | 12.00 Crore | |
| 2009-10 | Recurring expenditure of 08 CIAT Schools established in 2008-09 | 2.40 Crore |
| Establishment of 4 CIAT Schools | 6.00 Crore | |
| 2010-11 | Recurring expenditure of 16 CIAT Schools @ Rs. 20 lakh per CIAT School. | 4.80 Crore |
| Equipment up-gradation of 16 CIAT Schools @ Rs. 20 lakh per CIAT School. | 3.20 Crore | |
| 2011-12 | Recurring expenditure of 20 CIAT Schools in 2008-09@ Rs. 20 lakh per CIAT School. | 6.00 Crore |
| Up-gradation of 20 CIAT Schools @ Rs. 30 lakh per CIAT School. | 6.00 Crore | |
| Total | 52.40 Crore |
Fund Release
The government has released funds to the State Governments as per the following details (in Rs. crore):
| Name of State | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | Total CIAT Schools |
| Assam | 1.50 | 3.00 | – | 3 |
| Bihar | 1.50 | 3.00 | – | 3 |
| Chhattisgarh | 3.00 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 4 |
| Jharkhand | 3.00 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 4 |
| Orissa | 3.00 | 1.50 | – | 3 |
| West Bengal | – | – | 1.5 | 1 |
| Nagaland | – | – | 1.5 | 1 |
| Manipur | – | – | 1.5 | 1 |
| Tripura | – | – | 1.5 | 1 |
| Total | 12.00 | 10.50 | 9.0 | 21 |
*Note: Request for establishing one additional CIAT School in Assam from the savings of the scheme is pending in Planning Commission (as on June 2011).
Redistribution and Current Status
Based on the progress of CIAT schools and requests from other states, the Ministry redistributed CIAT schools in July 2010. As of the report, twelve CIAT Schools are operational. Construction is completed in one school in Orissa, and training is set to start from July 2011. The remaining schools are under construction, with two in Jharkhand, and one each in Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Nagaland, Tripura, and Manipur. The State Governments have utilized Rs. 20 crore for construction. The Ministry plans to release an additional Rs. 5 crore for equipment upgrades, except for functional schools in Assam. More than 7,000 police personnel have been trained in these CIATSs.
Conclusion
The establishment of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist Schools (CIATSs) is a significant step towards strengthening India’s police forces in regions affected by insurgency and terrorism. By providing specialized training and equipping personnel with modern techniques, the scheme aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating these threats. The ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and training will further contribute to the overall security and stability of affected areas.