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Arvind Nerkar has proposed to donate money from his constituency fund to buy ammunition for our policemen who are ill-equipped to battle terrorists

show us the money: Arvind Nerkar is appalled at the condition of the city's policemen. pic/bipin kokate

Saddened by the plight of our policemen while battling militants during the recent terror attack, Shiv Sena MLA from Opera House, Arvind Nerkar has come forward and offered help. Nerkar has proposed to donate Rs 20 lakh from his constituency fund to buy AK 47 rifles for policemen in the state.
 
Fourteen policemen, including Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar and Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte, were shot dead by militants in the terror attacks.

"I was appalled at the condition of our policemen. The terrorists were equipped with the latest ammunition whereas our policemen were handicapped in fighting them," explained Nerkar.
 
The MLA is unsure if he can donate the amount directly or whether he has to seek permission from the chief minister. He has written a letter to former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, urging him to pass a resolution in the Assembly.

"I want a resolution passed in the assembly that would make it mandatory for each MLA to donate Rs 20 lakh from their constituency fund to buy AK 47 rifles. If the state does not have funds to purchase the latest ammunition for our policemen, then the MLAs can donate money," added Nerkar.

Go slow, media

Nerkar has also called for restrictions on TV channels, especially on the telecast of sensitive operations like the terror attacks. He said that TV channels, through their coverage, risked the safety of our armed forces, during the terror attack. Nerkar witnessed the operation at Nariman House, where terrorists held residents hostage and killed five people.

Rs 40,000
Approximate cost of an AK 47 rifle on the grey market in Pakistan or China. It can go up to Rs 1 lakh in India

Constituency fund

Each MLA is allotted a constituency fund of Rs 1 crore per year by the state government. The MLA must use the amount on public welfare schemes in his area. Arvind Nerkar says at present, he has Rs 35 lakh remaining from his constituency fund. An MP is allotted Rs 2 crore per year as part of the fund.