By IANS,
New Delhi : The site in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu where former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated and where a memorial has been erected will now be guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that is responsible for the security of important government buildings across the country.
The cabinet, at its meeting here Thursday chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, took the decision to hand over security at the Rajiv Gandhi memorial to the CISF, which is also responsible for nine memorials in the national capital.
“This will involve non-recurring expenditure of Rs.7.06 crore towards offices and residential accommodation for the security personnel, arms and ammunition and transportation, besides recurring expenditure of Rs.1.23 crore per annum on the salary and allowances of these personnel,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
The CISF currently guards the Rajghat, Shanti Van, Vijay Ghat, Shakti Sthal, Vir Bhumi, Ekta Sthal, Kisan Ghat, Samta Sthal and Sangharsh Sthal memorials in the national capital.
The cabinet had taken a decision on this in 2004.