The Jharkhand government has introduced a reward scheme for government employees and citizens who provide actionable information to the police regarding the illegal production, smuggling, and peddling of narcotics. This initiative aims to curb the drug menace by encouraging public participation.
Government's Strategy to Combat Drugs
Officials stated that the state government believes financial incentives will motivate individuals to join an anti-narcotics movement by supplying accurate information to law enforcement agencies. The home, jail, and disaster management department formalized the resolution on Friday, days after the state cabinet approved the proposal.
Criteria for Reward Determination
The resolution outlines the criteria for assessing rewards, including the accuracy of information, risks undertaken by the informant, the nature of assistance provided, and the significance of inputs that lead to the arrest of drug kingpins. For government employees, additional factors such as hazards faced during information collection, special initiatives for seizures, and the speed of action following the tip are considered.
Eligibility and Limits
Government servants above pay level 13 are not eligible for rewards. No individual can receive more than Rs 20 lakh in total during their service tenure. The reward distribution process specifies that 50% of the amount will be given after testing of seized materials, and the remaining sum is transferred upon submission of a chargesheet in court.
Committee Structure and Approval
A state-level reward committee, headed by the additional director general or inspector general leading the anti-narcotics task force, will determine incentives up to Rs 1 lakh for government employees and up to Rs 2 lakh for citizens. Final approval rests with the central reward committee, chaired by the director general of the Narcotics Control Bureau.
Compensation for Assaulted Informants
The government has also announced ex gratia payments for informants who face assault: Rs 20 lakh for death, Rs 10 lakh for 100% disability, Rs 5 lakh for 40% disability, Rs 3 lakh for major injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Awareness and Legal Action
In parallel, the police administration is conducting regular awareness programs and taking legal action against the illegal sale and purchase of narcotics to reinforce the anti-drug campaign.
