The State Special Zone Security Force Bill, 2010, which provides for the creation of a separate force for the protection of monuments, parks, memorials and statues to Dalit icons in Lucknow and Noida, was passed by voiced vote in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Thursday.
The Bill was tabled in the House last week.
Speaking on the need to create a special security force, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Lalji Verma said there is a shortage of personnel in the police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) for protecting the monuments built to Dalit icons. Mr. Verma said the security around in the Taj Mahal has been handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and additional force had been deployed for security purposes in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi ( Varanasi).
The parliamentary affairs minister said the personnel of the special security force would be imparted specialised training.
Opposing the Bill, the leader of BJP Legislature Party, Om Prakash Singh said the creation of the security force was unwanted and it would have been better if a force had been created for the security of the Imambaras in Lucknow, the Taj Mahal and for security purposes in Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi.
Pramod Tiwari of the Congress said a force was being created for monuments whose construction had been stayed by the Supreme Court.
Avadesh Prasad of Samajwadi Party alleged that it seems that a force is being created for political workers with the help of public money.
