Challenges in Maintaining Adequate Police Forces

Syllabus: GS2/Governance; Policy & Intervention

Context

• Many Indian states face significant challenges in maintaining adequate police forces due to insufficient funding and resource allocation.

About

• ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
  • India’s policing system is primarily funded by state governments, with the central government providing additional support through schemes like the Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) programme.
• The allocation of resources varies across states, leading to disparities in infrastructure, manpower, and technology.

Current State of Police Expenditure 

• Effective law enforcement is crucial for maintaining internal security and public order.
• Across many states, police departments face severe financial constraints, limiting their ability to recruit, train, and equip officers adequately. Budgetary restrictions lead to:
  • Understaffed police forces, resulting in longer emergency response times.
  • Outdated equipment and technology, reducing efficiency in crime prevention and investigation.
  • Inadequate training, increasing the risk of excessive force and legal disputes.
• The combination of these factors erodes public trust and weakens law enforcement’s ability to deter crime effectively.

Budgetary Trends in India

• Key Budget Allocations (Recent Trends): Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹1,60,391.06 crore (₹1.27 lakh crore in Union Budget 2023-24) to the MHA for police expenditure.
  • A significant portion is directed towards central police organizations responsible for internal security, border guarding, and security of vital installations. 
• Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) scheme received ₹2,750 crore, aimed at upgrading weapons, forensic infrastructure, and surveillance technology.
• State governments collectively spend over ₹1.2 lakh crore annually on policing, with significant variations across regions.

Challenges in Resource Allocation

• Understaffing and Overburdened Personnel: Many states face a significant shortage of police personnel, with vacancy rates as high as 24% in some regions.
  • India has only 152 police officers per 1 lakh people, lower than the United Nations’ recommended 222 officers.
  • It leads to overburdened officers, reduced efficiency, and delays in addressing crimes.
• Low Per Capita Spending: On average, states spend only ₹2,056 per person annually on the justice system, including police.
• Skewed Priorities: A large share of funds goes to salaries and pensions (over 80% in some states i.e. revenue expenditure), leaving little for modernization and operational costs.
• Unequal Funding Across States: Richer states like Maharashtra and Karnataka allocate more funds, while poorer states like Bihar and Jharkhand struggle with police modernization.
• Lack of Technology Integration: Many states lag in adopting AI-driven crime analytics, cyber forensics, and GPS-enabled patrolling systems.
• Inadequate Training: Limited budgets often result in insufficient training programs, leaving officers ill-equipped to handle complex situations.
• Rising Crime Rates: The increasing incidence of cybercrime, organized crime, and communal violence demands a more robust and well-equipped police force.

Recommendations for Better Resource Allocation

• Increase Capital Expenditure: At least 30% of the police budget should be allocated to modernization, infrastructure, and technological upgrades.
• Performance-Based Funding: The central government should offer incentives to states that implement effective policing reforms.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration with the private sector can enhance surveillance technology, cybersecurity, and training.
• Skill Development and Training: More funds should be allocated to de-escalation training, community policing, and forensic capabilities.
• Better Utilization of Funds: Strict audits and performance tracking should be implemented to prevent fund misuse and corruption.

Conclusion

• Adequate investment in police forces is not just a matter of governance but a necessity for societal well-being. 
• By addressing the challenges of understaffing, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate training, states can build a law enforcement system capable of meeting contemporary demands. 
• Ensuring public safety requires a collective commitment to empowering those who protect and serve.

Source: BS