TN to Create Kilambakkam Police District and Add 5,000 Women Officers

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday announced a major expansion and restructuring of the state police force, including the recruitment of 5,000 women personnel this year and the formation of a new Kilambakkam police district carved out of the Tambaram Commissionerate.

Speaking during the discussion on demands for grants to the police department, the Chief Minister stated that 29,108 police personnel would be recruited across the state over the next five years. Out of these, 10,000 personnel, including 5,000 women, will be inducted during the current year itself. The induction of 5,000 female officers will raise the proportion of women in the Tamil Nadu police department from 22 per cent to 30 per cent.

In addition to administrative changes under the Tambaram Commissionerate, the government announced that a separate Poonamallee police district would be formed from the Avadi police commissionerate. Local training infrastructure will also see an upgrade, with an indoor sports stadium and outdoor sports facilities scheduled to be built at the Tamil Nadu Police Academy in Unamancheri in Vandalur at an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore. A separate administration building for the Chengalpet armed police will also be constructed at an estimate of Rs 91 crore.

The state plans to modernise the overall police force with an outlay of Rs 212 crore, incorporating artificial intelligence, modern digital forensic tools, real-time monitoring systems, upgraded communication networks, and centralised control rooms. A dedicated Rs 200 crore has been allocated to purchase new vehicles for the department, while Rs 14 crore will be spent to establish DNA testing facilities in Salem and Villupuram to expedite forensic investigations.

Monthly contingency funds for police stations are being increased to curb corruption. Stations categorised as light will see their monthly allowance rise from Rs 3,750 to Rs 30,000; medium stations will increase from Rs 6,000 to Rs 40,000; and heavy stations will rise from Rs 8,250 to Rs 50,000 per month. Solatium for families of personnel who sacrifice their lives on duty will be increased to Rs 1 crore, while ex-gratia for duty-related deaths and injuries will increase from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.

Additional allocations include Rs 80 crore for 131 housing quarters for fire service personnel, Rs 16 crore for six new fire stations, and specialized equipment including 50 scuba suits, 25 smoke exhausters, 35 drones, and five breathing apparatus units.