Dodoma — THE government has appealed to Members of Parliament to enable the Police Department get fair budget allocation next financial year, to effectively execute its functions.

The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Mr Pereira Ame Silima made the petition in the Parliament, calling for MPs to increase the Ministry's budget that will relieve police force from tough financial constraints.

He was responding to a question by Mr David Silinde (Mbozi West,CHADEMA) who said people in his constituency are forced to contribute money to support some police and militia who deal with criminals.

He said people have been asked to contribute fuel, militia allowances and food to criminal suspects but no receipts have been issued for the transactions and contributions.

Responding, Deputy Minister said it was illegal for the Police to demand for cash or material contributions from the people but insisted due to meagre budget the Police Department fail to undertake some of its crucial functions.

"I appeal to MPs in collaborations with local governments to make sure the budget for defence and security operations is allocated as instructed in the Local Government Act to facilitate the security operations," he said.