Jharkhand Introduces Reward Policy for Informants Reporting Drug Trafficking; Compensation up to ₹20 Lakh
The Jharkhand government has introduced a new reward and compensation policy for individuals who provide information about the illegal production and trade of narcotic substances.
Under the policy, informants who report activities related to drugs covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 may receive financial rewards for their assistance in enforcement actions.
Compensation for Informants or Their Families
According to the state government’s decision, the following compensation structure has been approved:
- In case of death of an informant during enforcement-related action, the family will receive up to ₹20 lakh.
- For permanent disability, compensation of up to ₹10 lakh will be provided.
- For 40% or more disability, assistance of ₹5 lakh will be given.
- In cases of serious injury with less than 40% disability or no disability, compensation of ₹3 lakh will be provided.
- For minor injuries, an amount of ₹50,000 will be given.
The compensation will only be approved if it is established through investigation that the informant was targeted due to the information provided, and that the tip-off directly led to successful seizure or action against drug traffickers. A formal case registration is also required before any payment is sanctioned.
Approval and Monitoring System
The compensation and reward process will undergo strict scrutiny by the Home Department before approval. The final sanctioning authority will be the Home Secretary, Principal Secretary, or Additional Chief Secretary.
State-Level Reward Committee
A state-level committee will also be formed to select eligible informants for rewards. The committee will be headed by senior officials such as the ADG CID, IG CID, or the head of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
The committee will also include officials from the Budget Division, Home Department, and the Prosecution Directorate to ensure proper evaluation and transparency.
The policy aims to encourage citizens to report drug-related crimes while ensuring their safety and providing financial protection in case of retaliation.
Courtesy: Dainik Jagran
