To provide security to industry and banks in the Maoist-infested areas, the Jharkhand government proposes to set up a new force called State Industrial Security Force (SISF).

This proposal was part of the state Budget which was presented in the Assembly by Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday.

To begin with, a battalion of SISF, comprising ex-servicemen, is planned to be raised. Their recruitment and training will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2011-12.

Also to deal with the Maoists, the Budget proposes to open 92 police stations and strengthen the special branch of the police by setting up Cyber Security and Surveillance System and Intelligence Training School for its staff.

Soren, who presented a deficit budget of Rs. 3,865.77 crore, said 18,000 police posts were vacant. Of these, 11,000 posts of constables and 850 posts of Sub-Inspectors would be filled up in the coming financial year. "In order to overcome the problem of the Naxalites, the administrative officers were sensitised. The effort was also being made to help improve institutional system," he added.

While nearly 44 per cent of the state plan outlay of Rs. 25,190.99 crore remained unutilised till February 1 this fiscal year, its outlay was increased to Rs. 33,121.70 crore for the coming year. "The increase in outlay was necessary to build infrastructure in both rural and urban areas," added the deputy CM.

In terms of allocation, the Budget proposes to provide top priority to energy (10.46 per cent) followed by irrigation and water resources (10.13 per cent).