Mumbai, May 11 (PTI) To deal with fresh challenges of terrorism, by strengthening police force and upgrading weaponry, Maharashtra government has increased the state plan allocation for the Home department from Rs 303-crore in 2010-11 to Rs 505 crore in 2011-12.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) U C Sarangi told PTI that his department has chalked out plans to utilise the funds (increased by 66 percent) to identify areas of deficiency in the police force and focus on them during the coming year.

"I have already identified areas of focus to strengthen police force, equip them with weapons and technology, improve intelligence facilitate training and skill development," he said.

To ensure use of information technology to its full potential to improve their day-to-day functioning, an initiative called Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) is already under implementation. It is likely to be completed by December this year.