116 new posts to ramp up Mumbai police marine unit

In a bid to strengthen the Mumbai Police’s marine arm, the state government has decided to create 116 new posts exclusively for this unit.

The decision is important as far as the coastal security is concerned, said home department officials.

The officials said that the recruitments will be for 116 posts of police sub-inspector-cum-dinghy driver-cum engine operator of speedboats.

“We are waiting for the sanction from the finance department because they would be looking into the budget, which will include the cost of training and equipment. Recruitment for these posts will not be through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, but through an independent process,” said a home department official.

“In the next phase, we will buy 14 new boats. We will require the staff to not only to use them, but also maintain them. Ramesh More, a constable with the marine unit, had drowned in August 2010. His death had created a furore after which there was emphasis on taking skilled men in the unit and provide them required training,” the official added.