New Delhi, Jul 26, 2022, By Special Correspondent

New Delhi, Jul 26: After the extension of its jurisdiction, BSF, the country's border guarding force has been able to curb smuggling of drugs and other contraband items to a great extent.

The Border Security Force (BSF) guards India's international boundary with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In October last year, the Union Home Ministry had extended its jurisdiction giving its officers the powers of arrest, search and seizure to the extent of 50 kilometres, instead of earlier 15 km, from the borders inside Indian territories in Tripura, Assam, West Bengal and Punjab.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that BSF's extension of territorial jurisdiction was aimed at empowering the border guarding force to discharge its duties more effectively.

The move has been helpful in the wake of use of technologies such as drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - generally having long range - by anti-national forces for surveillance as well as for smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake Indian currency notes, he said in a written reply.

"Due to increased territorial jurisdiction, the BSF has achieved success in curbing smuggling of drugs and other contraband items," Rai said.

The minister also gave a list of items seized by the BSF after the implementation of the decision. These items include Pakistani drones, a large number of arms, ammunition and drugs.

The Centre's decision to give the BSF more jurisdiction had drawn flak from opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress which rules West Bengal.