Report No. 198

(Q) 7. Should necessary funds be provided by both the Central and State Governments for implementation of the Witness Protection Programme?

For the purpose of implementation of the Witness Protection Programme, a lot of funds may be required. In such a situation it is suggested that both the Central as well as State Governments should provide necessary funds for the purpose of implementation of the Witness Protection Programme. As the "Administration of Justice" falls under entry 11A of the concurrent list of the 7 th Schedule of the Constitution of India, it is the responsibility of both the Central as well as State Governments.

31 out of 40 respondents have agreed that for the purpose of implementation of Witness Protection Programme, necessary funds should be provided by both the Central as well as State Government concerned. Among these 31 respondents, 6 are State Governments, 8 are Police Officials, 3 are Judges and 14 are others. State Government of Bihar and Administraton of Union Territory of Lakshadwep have suggested that the Central Government should meet 75 % expenditure of the Programme.

State Governments of Orissa, West Bengal and Tripura are of the view that the Central Government should provide entire funds. Similar view is expressed by the Director General of Police of Punjab State and of Manipur.

Contrary to it, 4 respondents have suggested that it should be funded by the State Government concerned.