India is pouring ₹24,000 crore into a sweeping upgrade of its police forces, aiming to transform aging infrastructure with cutting-edge technology. The central government revealed the ambitious five-year plan to the Supreme Court on Thursday, signaling a major push to strengthen internal security.
Court Scrutiny Drives Urgency
The announcement comes amid ongoing judicial pressure. The Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has been monitoring compliance with its 2021 mandate requiring CCTV cameras in all police stations. This oversight began after the court took note of non-functional cameras in Udaipur stations back in 2025.
Additional Solicitor General Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare assured the court that the new 'Police Modernisation Mission' would specifically address technology gaps. "It will strengthen the internal security capabilities of State police forces and Central Armed Police Forces through greater use of technology," he stated.
The existing Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) scheme has been extended until September 30, 2026, providing a bridge until the new mission launches.
Funding Gaps and State Delays
But the path forward isn't entirely smooth. The bench pressed hard on why available funds under the current scheme weren't being used faster. "Why do you allow them to lie dormant?" Justice Mehta asked pointedly.
The tension became concrete when senior advocate Siddhartha Dave revealed Jharkhand's struggle: the state sought ₹112.5 crore for CCTV installation on July 22, only to have its proposal rejected. "Jharkhand has not even started anything... not one CCTV camera since 2020," Dave told the courtroom.
| State | Funding Request | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jharkhand | ₹112.5 crore | Rejected (July 22) |
What Comes Next
Thakare confirmed the new scheme still awaits financial approvals, with specific components under wraps. He promised to return with clearer answers about fund carryovers and Jharkhand's situation at the next hearing on September 21.
The 2020 Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh case that started this push extended CCTV requirements beyond police stations to central agencies like the CBI and NIA—anywhere with power to arrest. That ruling now fuels this ₹24,000 crore national effort.
This report covers governmental policy announcements; it does not constitute investment advice or recommendations.
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