1.15 lakh vacant posts in state police forces are lying vacant across the country. This has posed a serious question over providing effective security to citizens in these states.

According to a report of Union Home Ministry, terror and naxal-hit states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar have vacant posts ranging from 4,400 to 13,000. These posts include Constables, Sub-Inspectors and Deputy Superintendents of Police.

On an average, 24.15 per cent posts of Deputy SPs, 20.76 per cent posts of sub-inspectors and 10.87 per cent posts of constables are yet to be filled across the country.

"The Centre is deeply concerned at the laxity on part of some states in filling up vacant posts in their police forces which led to an abysmal police to population ratio," a senior Home Ministry official said.

The report says, Gujarat, which was targeted by terrorists with a series of bomb blasts recently, has a total sanctioned strength of 43,554 police personnel. But out of this, 8,549 posts, including 7,418 posts of constables, are lying vacant.

Karnataka, another terror-hit state, has a sanctioned strength of 59,442 personnel in its police force. But in the state, 9,429 posts, including of 8,235 constables and 72 Dy.SPs, are lying vacant.