Mumbai: The state govt has announced a 30% incentive allowance for police officers and personnel serving in Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), citing the hazardous nature of their work and the risks involved in tackling organised drug networks.
The state has also created 346 posts for ANTF, which draws officers and personnel from the state police force.
According to a govt resolution (GR) issued on Wednesday, the incentive will come into effect on Aug 1 and will be equivalent to 30% of the basic pay under the
Seventh Pay Commission. Govt has made a budgetary provision of Rs 5.9 crore for the allowance. It said the incentive is aimed at attracting capable and efficient personnel to the specialised unit and strengthening its ability to take stringent preventive and enforcement action against narcotics trafficking.
The incentive, however, will cease once an officer or personnel is repatriated to their parent cadre from ANTF.
ANTF carries out intelligence operations, raids and investigations against narcotics trafficking and international and organised criminal gangs. It is also empowered to coordinate with central agencies and investigate cases involving pan-Maharashtra and interstate drug trafficking networks.
Govt said those working in the unit frequently risk their lives during intelligence gathering, raids and investigations. Their handling of hazardous narcotic substances also exposes them to the risk of serious physical and mental injury.
Through the incentive, govt hopes to induct more talent. “Nowadays, officers are not willing to work in these cells as the timings are very irregular. The work requires round-the-clock surveillance,” said an officer. Officials also pointed to limited funds for intelligence gathering.
The demanding nature of narcotics investigations has also contributed to burnout among personnel, officers said. Continuous exposure to hardened criminals, high-pressure operations and prolonged periods of vigilance can affect morale and personal well-being, they said.
Legal scrutiny is another major concern for investigators. Cases under stringent provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act require strict adherence to procedures, as even minor lapses can have serious departmental or judicial consequences. “If a case falls flat in court, there are chances that we will be pulled up by senior officers, sometimes without any fault on our part,” said a DCP who has worked in the anti-narcotics cell.
Officers said high-profile seizures and sensitive investigations also attract scrutiny from internal authorities and external anti-corruption agencies. Personnel are required to maintain detailed records and ensure the safe custody of seized narcotic substances. Any allegation of loss, tampering, substitution or mishandling of seized material can result in serious questions being raised against the officers concerned.
