Mumbai: In the backdrop of Maharashtra government's decision to scale down police security to politicians and their families, Minister of State for Home, Ram Shinde today said the move will free nearly 200 personnel, who shall now be assigned duties demanding greater attention.

"After the special committee's report to downsize unnecessary security for politicians, a total of 197 police personnel can now divert their attention towards urgent issues. Out of 197, 24 (policemen) are of API and PSI ranks, 28 are of head constable rank, 107 police constables and 28 personnel of PCD rank," Shinde told PTI.