Highlights Allocation toward Police remains the highest allocation under the Ministry (68%).  CAPFs accounted for 67% of Police allocation, and 98% of the expenditure is towards revenue.  CAPFs had vacancies of 8% in 2024.   Budget utilisation under forensics-related schemes has been low. Jammu & Kashmir accounts for 62% of all transfers to the Union Territories. Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for Census and Registrar General for Census 2027.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for ensuring internal security, administering the central police and paramilitary forces, border management, Union Territories (UTs) administration, disaster management, and coordination with states.[1]  Article 355 of the Constitution obligates the Union Government to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance.  The Ministry provides manpower, financial support, guidance, and expertise to state governments to help maintain peace and security.  The Ministry also makes transfers to UTs (as they do not receive a share in central taxes), and directly administers UTs that do not have a legislature.1

This note analyses the expenditure trends and budget proposals for the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2026-27, and discusses issues across sectors under the administration of the Ministry.

Overview of Finances

In 2026-27, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been allocated Rs 2,55,234 crore.[2]  This is a 9.4% increase over the revised estimates for 2025-26 (Rs 2,41,485 crore).  In 2026-27, allocation to MHA constitutes 5% of the Union Budget.2

In 2026-27, 68% of the Ministry’s budget has been allocated towards police.[3]  Transfers to the Union Territories makes for the second highest allocation (27%), with Jammu and Kashmir and accounting for 62% of these transfers.  Allocation for census and Statistics has increased to Rs 6,000 crore from Rs 1,040 crore in 2025-26 revised estimates.  Other expenditure items of the MHA include disaster management, rehabilitation of refugees and migrants, and administrative matters.  These have been allocated Rs 5,491 crore.

The expenditure of the Ministry has been higher than the budgeted expenditure in all years since 2021-22.  In 2025-26, the Ministry is estimated to utilise 104% of the budget allocated.

Table 1: Key Allocations to the Ministry, 2026-27 (in Rs crore)

Head	Revenue	Capital	Total
Police	1,52,530	21,272	1,73,803
Census	5,782	218	6,000
Others	5.090	401	5,490
Transfers to Union Territories
Jammu and Kashmir	43,290	N/A	43,290
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	6,083	598	6,681
Chandigarh	5,275	445	5,720
Ladakh	2,542	2,327	4,869
Puducherry	3,518	0	3,518
D&NH and D&U	1,733	1,100	2,833
Lakshadweep	1,336	346	1,682
Delhi	968	380	1,348
Total	2,28,147	27,087	2,55,234

Note: D&NH and D&U is Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.  Police include allocation to Central Armed Forces, Delhi Police, J & K Police, Border Infrastructure, and Intelligence Bureau.  Other include administrative expenditure, cabinet expenditure, and several central sector schemes.

Sources: Demand Numbers 49 to 59, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

Figure 1: Utilisation of MHA budget (in Rs crore)

Note: Revised estimates taken as actuals for 2025-26.  Budget Estimates for 2026-27.
Sources: Budget documents of the respective years; PRS.

Issues to Consider

Police

In 2026-27, Rs 1,73,803 crore has been allocated towards police.  This includes allocation towards Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Delhi Police, J&K Police, Police infrastructure, and Intelligence Bureau (Table 2).  Allocation toward CAPFs accounted for 67% of total budget in 2026-27, followed by Delhi Police (7%) and Jammu & Kashmir Police (6%).

The Intelligence Bureau sees the largest increase (63%) in allocation over the revised estimates of 2025-26.  Allocation towards police infrastructure also increases by 46% as compared to the revised estimates of 2025-26.

Table 2: Major expenditure items under Police (in Rs crore)

Depart-ment	2024-25	2025- 26 RE	2026- 27 BE	% change
CAPF	1,04,824	1,12,636	1,16,789	4%
Delhi Police	12,133	12,406	12,504	1%
J&K Police	8,553	9,097	9,926	9%
IB	4,013	4,159	6,782	63%
Border Infrastruc-ture	3,954	5,472	5,577	2%
Police Infrastruc-ture	2,133	3,684	5,393	46%
MoP	2,903	3,280	4,061	24%
Others	8,122	11,549	12,771	11%
Total	1,46,635	1,62,283	1,73,803	7%

Note: IB is Intelligence Bureau.  MoP is Modernisation of Police scheme. % change refers to change from 2025-26 revised estimates to 2026-27 budget estimates.  Others include schemes such as safety of women and the Land Port Authority of India. BE – Budget Estimates, RE – Revised Estimates. Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

As of January 2024, India has 155 police personnel for every one lakh people. [4]   However, this figure varies across states.  Bihar (80), West Bengal (106), and Rajasthan (119) had the lowest police concentration, while Nagaland (1,124), Manipur (916) and Sikkim (831) have some of the highest (see Table 22 in the Annexure for more details).4

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

The Central Armed Police Forces function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs and are deployed for guarding the borders, internal security, protection of critical infrastructure, and specialised security operations.[5]  The CAPFs are made of seven forces: (i) Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF), (ii) Border Security Force (BSF), (iii) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), (iv) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), (v) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), (vi) Assam Rifles (AR), and (vii) National Security Guard (NSG).

Table 3: Allocation amongst seven forces under CAPFs (in Rs crore)

Force	2024-25	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE	% change
CRPF	34,021	37,251	38,518	3%
BSF	27,939	29,568	29,568	-
CISF	14,690	15,622	15,973	2%
ITBP	9,337	9,869	11,324	15%
SSB	9,594	10,496	10,985	5%
AR	7,977	8,376	8,797	5%
NSG	1,096	1,266	1,422	12%
Total*	1,04,653	1,12,448	1,16,586	4%

Note: * Total does not include “departmental accounting” amounting to Rs 202 crore in 2026-27 budget.  BE – Budget Estimates, RE – Revised Estimates.
Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

In 2026-27, CRPF has been allocated Rs 38,518 crore (33% of allocation toward CAPF) and Border Security Forces have been allocated Rs 29,568 crore (25% of allocation to the CAPF). 

In 2026-27, 98% of the total allocation on CAPFs is towards revenue expenditure, and 2% towards capital expenditure, which is similar to the trends from last few years.  Capital expenditure includes spending on procuring machinery, equipment, and vehicles, while revenue expenditure includes spending on salaries, clothing, and weaponry.

Vacancies

As of July 2024, the total sanctioned strength of CAPFs was about 10.5 lakh personnel, against which around 8% of posts were vacant.[6]  Vacancy levels varied across forces, with CISF reporting the highest vacancy rate (about 19%), followed by CRPF (10%).4

Table 4: Vacancies across CAPFs, as on January 2024

CAPFs	Sanctioned Strength	Actual Strength	Vacancy Rate (%)
CISF	1,76,132	1,50,523	19%
CRPF	3,25,201	3,00,223	10%
ITBP	96,030	88,863	9%
SSB	97,774	90,312	6%
AR	66,411	64,217	5%
BSF	2,65,331	2,58,626	4%

Sources: Bureau of Police Research & Development 2024; PRS.

At least 8% of CAPF posts have been vacant in the last six years (figure 2).  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that persistent vacancies increase workload on existing personnel and adversely affect operational efficiency.[7]  To address vacancies, the government has reserved 10% of constable and rifleman-level posts in CAPFs for ex-Agniveers and provided relaxations in age and physical efficiency requirements.5

Figure 2: Vacancy rate in CAPF, 2019-2024

Sources: Bureau of Police Research & Development, various years; PRS.

Deployment and dependence by States

The Committee on Estimates (2018) observed a steady increase in requests from states for CAPF deployment to maintain law and order, particularly for prolonged internal security duties.[8]  Continuous deployment leads to limited rest and training cycles for CAPF personnel.  The Committee recommended that states strengthen their own police forces to reduce over-reliance on CAPFs.8

States are required to reimburse the central government for CAPF deployment undertaken at their request.  As of October 2022, states and union territories had outstanding dues amounting to nearly Rs 50,000 crore, with the majority attributable to CRPF deployment.[9] 

Working Conditions

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2018) noted that CAPF personnel often work long hours in difficult terrain and hostile conditions.[10]  The Committee noted that personnel in certain forces routinely work 12-14 hours a day with limited weekly rest.10  High operational stress has contributed to rising attrition rates in recent years.10 The Committee recommended rotational deployment policies, adequate rest periods, and systematic exit interviews for personnel opting for voluntary retirement or resignation.10

The suicide rate among CAPF personnel has been reported to be higher than the national average.[11]  The Ministry (2022) identified prolonged separation from families, mental health issues, financial stress, and interpersonal conflicts as some of the factors.[12]

Table 5: Suicides among CAPF personnel

Force	2023	2024	2025	Total
CRPF	57	46	56	159
BSF	43	52	25	120
CISF	25	15	20	60
SSB	11	12	12	35
ITBP	8	12	12	32
AR	12	8	8	28
NSG	1	3	0	4
Total	157	148	133	438

Sources: Unstarred Question No 2,647, Lok Sabha, Ministry of Home Affairs, December 16, 2025; PRS.

Women in Police

As of January 2024, women constituted 5% (47,760) of the total personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces.4  To enhance women’s representation in the CAPFs, the government introduced reservations in January 2016, providing for 33% reservation in constable posts in the CRPF and CISF, and 14-15% in the BSF, SSB, and ITBP.^5,7  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that measures that have helped encourage recruitment of women include targeted outreach, waiver of application fees, relaxations in physical tests, and service benefits such as maternity and child care leave.7  CAPFs have established crèches and day-care facilities, constituted committees to address sexual harassment complaints, and ensured equal opportunities for promotion and seniority.7  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) suggested exploring flexible deployment or softer postings during specific life stages to improve retention of women personnel.7

Housing and Accommodation

The MHA is responsible for providing housing to CAPF personnel.  As of December 2022, only about 48% of authorised dwelling units for CAPFs were available.7  Housing satisfaction rates varied widely across forces, with particularly low availability in SSB (29%).9  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) identified the unwillingness of personnel to accept accommodations in semi-urban or remote areas due to the distance from essential amenities like schools and hospitals as some of the factors for low housing satisfaction rate.7  It recommended that the MHA increase construction to raise housing satisfaction levels to at least 70-80% over time.7

In 2026-27, Rs 5,041 crore has been allocated for CAPF and Central Police Organisation building projects.  This is an increase of 44% over the revised estimates of 2025-26 (Rs 3,508 crore).

Table 6: Housing Satisfaction Rate under Central Armed Police Forces, as of December 2022

CAPFs	Authorised Units	Satisfaction rate	Units Under Construction
CRPF	88,523	56%	4,483
BSF	78,164	45%	3,208
SSB	29,331	29%	2,220
ITBP	28,568	51%	3,959
AR	25,480	54%	304
CISF	14,690	47%	1,737
NSG	3,614	82%	40
Total	2,68,370	48%	15,951

Sources: Report No. 242, Standing Committee on Home Affairs, March 17, 2023; PRS.

Welfare and Rehabilitation of CAPF Personnel

The Welfare and Rehabilitation Board oversees the welfare and rehabilitation of retired CAPF personnel, their families, and dependents of deceased or disabled personnel.7  Financial support is provided through schemes such as ex-gratia payments, pensions, and insurance benefits.

For 2025-26, Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for ex-gratia lump-sum compensation to CAPF personnel.7  This includes Rs 35 lakh per personnel for those who die in active duty and Rs 25 lakh for those who die while on bona fide government duty.

Police Infrastructure

Modernisation Plan IV for CAPFs

The Modernisation Plan IV for CAPFs, being implemented from 2022 to 2026, aims to upgrade weapons, surveillance systems, vehicles, and protective gear.  However, fund utilisation under the scheme has remained below allocations in recent years (Table 7).  The Ministry attributed this to procurement delays, technical complexities, and tender-related issues.7

Table 7: Budget utilisation has been low under the Modernisation Plan IV scheme (in Rs crore)

Year	Allocated	Utilised	% utilised
2021-22	100	31	31%
2022-23	248	78	31%
2023-24	202	98	48%
2024-25	181	119	66%
2025-26*	353	610	173%
2026-27	344	-	-

Note: Revised estimates taken for actuals for 2025-26.
Sources: Demand No 51, 2026-27, Ministry of Home Affairs; PRS.

In 2025-26, the budget utilisation under the scheme was 73% higher than the amount allocated.  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that while the allocation was low due to lower procurement of motor vehicles, weapons and equipment, the substantial increase in 2025-26 is attributed to enhanced procurement plans in these areas.7

As of January 2024, India had 18,224 police stations.4  Of these, many stations did not have vehicles, landline telephones, and mobile phones.

Table 8: Basic infrastructure in police stations in select states, January 2024

		Station not having
State	Total Stations	Vehicles	Phone	Wireless/ Mobile
Bihar	1,096	0	187	0
Chhattisgarh	498	0	23	0
Jharkhand	571	47	211	31
Maharashtra	1,193	0	11	55
Manipur	94	8	74	0
Meghalaya	81	1	76	0
Nagaland	84	0	39	13
Odisha	684	0	3	3
Punjab	434	2	56	12

Sources:  Bureau of Police Research and Development, 2024; PRS.

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2022) noted that several police stations lacking basic infrastructure were located in border states and sensitive areas.[13]  These included states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Manipur.4  The Standing Committee (2022) also observed gaps in the availability of modern equipment for police forces, including non-lethal weapons and protective gear.[14]  It noted that personnel often lacked adequate anti-riot equipment and lightweight body protection, which are necessary to minimise injuries during law and order duties.14

The Modernisation of Police Forces scheme, implemented by the MHA, aims to improve the operational efficiency of state police through procurement of weapons, equipment, vehicles, communication systems, and infrastructure upgrades.7  The scheme also covers components such as the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CNTS), the Special Infrastructure Scheme for Left Wing Extremism-affected areas (SRE & LWE), assistance for narcotics control, and upgradation of forensic capabilities.

Table 9: Allocation towards Modernisation of Police Forces scheme (in Rs crore)

Head	2024-25	2025-26 BE	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE
CTNS/State Police Modernisation	115	588	273	451
SRE & LWE Infrastructure	2,788	3,481	3,007	3,611
Total Modernisation of Police Forces	2,903	4,069	3,280	4,061

Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

Upgradation of Forensic Infrastructure

Forensic science laboratories provide critical support to investigation and prosecution by conducting forensic analysis in criminal cases.5  Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, forensic investigation has been made mandatory for offences punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment.[15]  The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that this is expected to increase the caseload for forensic laboratories and recommended that every district of the country must have a forensic laboratory.7

As of October 2024, nearly 4,000 cases were pending in the seven central forensic science laboratories.[16]  

In July 2024, the Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with an outlay of Rs 2,254 crore from 2024-25 to 2028-29.5   The scheme aims to establish new central forensic laboratories and off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University.5  

Utilisation has been low under the Modernisation of Forensic Capacities scheme.  In 2024-25, the scheme was allocated Rs 700 crore.  Of this, only Rs 149 crore was utilised (21.3%).  In 2025-26, the scheme was allocated Rs 500, of which Rs 350 crore has been utilised (70%) as per the revised estimates for the year.

Table 10: Allocation towards forensics-related schemes (in Rs crore)

Scheme	2024-25	2025-26 BE	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE
Modernisation of Forensic Capacities	149	500	350	500
Upgradation of Central Forensic Science Laboratories	8	80	19	14
National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme	22	250	98	130
Total	179	830	467	644

Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

Delhi Police

Delhi Police functions under the administrative control of the MHA.5  It is responsible for law and order, crime prevention, investigation, and VVIP security in Delhi.

For 2026-27, Delhi Police has been allocated       Rs 12,504 crore.  Of this, Rs 11,882 crore (95%) is towards revenue expenditure, and Rs 622 crore (5%) towards capital expenditure.

Table 11: Allocation towards Delhi Police (in Rs crore)

	2024-25	2025-26 BE	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE
Revenue	11,596	11,316	11,761	11,882
Capital	537	616	644	622
Total	12,133	11,932	12,405	12,504

Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home affairs, 2026-27; PRS

Personnel and vacancies

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that Delhi Police had a sanctioned strength of 94,257 personnel against an actual strength of 85,690, leaving about 8,567 vacancies (9%).7  As per a CAG (2020) report, the MHA sanctioned 12,518 additional posts in 2019.[17]  However, failure in recruitment against the first 3,139 posts held up operationalisation of the remaining posts.17  Representation of women in Delhi Police was 11.8% in 2019 against a target of 33%.17  In police stations checked, there was a 35% manpower shortage, and only one of 72 police stations met staffing norms.17  There was an average 42% shortfall in specialised trainings in 2016-2019.17  

The Standing Committee (2025) recommended regular training on weapons and safety equipment, and strengthening forensic, K-9, and Bomb Detection and Disposal units.7

In 2023-24, Delhi Police had 16,344 quarters for 83,484 eligible personnel, resulting in a housing satisfaction level of 19.6%.5 

Technology and modernisation

The Safe City Project, funded under the Nirbhaya Fund, seeks to improve women’s safety through technology.7  However, conventional wireless sets declined from 9,638 (2009) to 6,172 (2019), and a 20 years old trunking system was being used, which is 10 years beyond its normal life span.17  Of over 3,800 CCTV cameras installed, a significant share was non-functional, with 31-44% of cameras defunct in later phases.17

Central Police Organisations

For 2026-27, Central Police Organisations have been allocated Rs 2,185 crore, an increase of 11.7% over the revised estimates of 2025-26 (Rs 1,957 crore.)

Table 12: Allocation towards Central Police Organisations, 2022-23 to 2025-26 (in Rs crore)

Organization	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25 RE	2025-26 BE
Bureau of Immigration	434	566	576	820
Narcotics Control Bureau	141	169	136	194
National Investigation Agency	202	275	141	360
Directorate of Coordination and Police Wireless	72	73	66	101
National Crime Record Bureau	48	70	44	70
Tear Smoke Unit	49	50	44	67
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre	19	28	27	143

Note: BE – Budget Estimates, RE – Revised Estimates
Source: Report No 252, Standing Committee on Home affairs, 2025; PRS.

National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 as a central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency.^[18]  It is mandated to investigate and prosecute offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, the security of states, friendly relations with foreign states, and matters related to international treaties and obligations.

The NIA currently has a sanctioned strength of 1,901 posts across various ranks, of which 769 posts were sanctioned during the last five years.^[19]  As of June 2025, 541 posts were vacant (29%).19

Since its inception, the Agency has registered 692 cases.18  Judgements have been pronounced in 172 cases, with a conviction rate of 92%. During the last three years (from 2022 onwards), judgements were delivered in 78 cases, with a conviction rate of 97%.18 

Narcotics Control Bureau

The Narcotics Control Bureau was established under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 for preventing and combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.⁵  The Bureau addresses a range of operational challenges, including cross-border trafficking, the use of the dark web for illicit drug trade, and the increasing use of courier and logistics services for the delivery of narcotic substances.⁵

To strengthen narcotics control efforts, the Scheme for Narcotic Control was launched in 2004.5  The scheme has been extended by subsuming seven related schemes under the centrally sponsored umbrella of Police Modernisation.

Table 13: Quantity of drug seized from 2019 to 2023

Year	Quantity Seized (Tonnes)	Quantity Seized (Crore No.)	Quantity Seized (Kilolitres)
2019	1,112	2.1	11,736
2020	1,317	5.9	1,104
2021	1,137	4.8	896
2022	2,081	1.7	4,641
2023	1,035.5	2.1	1,970

Sources: Crime in India, 2023, National Crime Records Bureau; PRS.

Cybersecurity

Cybercrime refers to any unlawful act in which a computer, computer network or electronic device is used either as a tool or as a target.[20]  These include theft, fraud, forgery, defamation and mischief, as well as hacking, phishing, malware attacks, denial-of-service attacks and cyber terrorism.20

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) noted that Indian citizens have been trafficked abroad and forced into operating cybercrime ‘scam factories’, particularly in Southeast Asia.20  These scams are involved in fake loan applications, call-centre based extortion and financial fraud using cryptocurrency.  The MHA has further cautioned that artificial intelligence and machine learning will shape future cyber threats, with deepfakes posing serious risks to public trust and democratic institutions.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre

The MHA has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to provide coordinated response to cybercrime.20  Under I4C, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal enables citizens to report cyber offences.  Between August 2019 and November 2024, the portal received over 54 lakh complaints, involving financial losses of Rs 31,594 crore.20  Cyber financial fraud constitutes about 85% of the cases reported.  In addition, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has helped prevent losses of more than Rs 7,130 crore across over 23 lakh complaints.20

The National Cyber Forensic Laboratories (Investigation) provide early-stage forensic support to State police.  Till October 2025, the New Delhi laboratory extended assistance in nearly 12,952 cybercrime cases, improving the quality and speed of investigations. [21]

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) noted that despite existing norms, there has been a persistence of mule accounts used for financial fraud.20  To curb this, I4C launched a suspect registry in September 2024 in collaboration with banks and financial institutions.  By October 2025, over 18.4 lakh suspect identifiers and 24.7 lakh mule accounts had been shared with participating entities, resulting in declined fraudulent transactions worth about Rs 8,031 crore.21

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) also noted that cybercrime-related provisions are currently spread across multiple statutes, leading to enforcement and judicial difficulties.20  It recommended enacting a dedicated cybercrime legislation that clearly defines offences, addresses emerging technologies and provides strong penal provisions, along with establishing an Integrated Cybercrime Task Force for specialised investigations.20  Under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, which set up the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), states must provide general consent for the CBI to investigate cases within the state.  The Committee noted that the withdrawal of consent by several states has hindered investigations.20

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) also highlighted gaps in the legal treatment of AI generated content.  It noted that existing laws do not clearly distinguish between user-generated and synthetically generated content, despite the increasing misuse of deepfakes and AI tools.20  It recommended strengthening the legal framework with explicit provisions to address such content.20  

Internal Security

The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for maintaining internal security, and law and order in India.  This includes the neutralisation of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), insurgency in north-eastern states, and cross-border terrorism.

Insurgency in North-Eastern States

In 2023, Manipur witnessed ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities.  In 2023, 243 incidents of violence were reported in the North-East region, of which Manipur accounted for 187 (77%).5

In September 2024, the MHA declared the entire state of Manipur (excluding areas under 19 police stations) a “Disturbed Area” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).[22]  In November 2024, AFSPA was extended to areas under six more police stations.  On February 13, 2025, President’s Rule was proclaimed in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution.  Parliament approved successive extensions of President’s Rule, the latest in August 2025, extending it until mid-February 2026.

On March 8, 2025, MHA directed free movement to be ensured for people on all roads in Manipur.[23]  On February 4, 2026, President’s rule was revoked from the state.[24]

The Ministry of Home Affairs allocated Rs 2,198 crore as a development grant to Manipur in the revised estimates of 2026-26.

Left Wing Extremism

The Ministry of Home Affairs created the “LWE Division” to implement security and development schemes in states affected by LWE, like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.5  The role and functions of the division include: (i) reviewing the security situation in LWE Affected States, (ii) improving state capacity to combat LWE, and (iii) deployment of CAPFs in LWE affected States.5

The number of Left-wing Extremism (LWE) related incidents fell by 88% from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 234 incidents in 2025. ^[25]  Similarly, deaths of civilians and security forces declined by 91%, from 1,005 in 2010 to 100 in 2025.25

The number of affected districts has declined from 126 districts across 10 states in 2018 to 8 districts across three states in 2025.25  Of these, only three districts are currently categorised as the most LWE-affected.25  Under the Security Related Expenditure scheme, 30 districts are being covered as “Legacy and Thrust Districts” to prevent resurgence of LWE influence.25

Table 14: Progress under counter LWE operations

Year	LWEs Killed	LWEs Arrested	LWEs Surrendered
2020	103	1,110	475
2021	126	1,153	736
2022	57	816	496
2023	50	924	376
2024	290	1,090	881
2025*	364	1,022	2,337

* Data until December 1, 2025.
Sources: Unstarred Question No 2682, Lok Sabha, Ministry of Home Affairs, December 16, 2025; Unstarred Question No 481, Lok Sabha, Ministry of Home Affairs, February 3, 2026; PRS.

In 2025, security forces neutralised 364 Naxals, arrested 1,022 and facilitated 2,337 surrenders.25  The number of police stations reporting LWE related violence reduced from 465 police stations in
2010 to 119 police stations in 2025.25

The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing several schemes to support security and development interventions in LWE affected areas.  Under the Security Related Expenditure Scheme, the central government reimburses LWE-affected states for expenditure on security operations, including training, logistics, ex-gratia payments to civilians and security personnel, and rehabilitation of surrendered cadres.5

The Special Central Assistance Scheme, introduced in 2017, provides additional financial support to the most affected districts to bridge critical gaps in public infrastructure and services.5  The Special Infrastructure Scheme focuses on strengthening security infrastructure in LWE areas, including construction of fortified police stations, upgradation of district police infrastructure, and strengthening intelligence capabilities.5

In addition, the Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) scheme provides funds to central agencies, including the Central Armed Police Forces and the Indian Air Force, for operational infrastructure and logistics such as helicopters and support facilities required for operations in LWE-affected regions.5

Census

In June 2025, the Population Census-2027 was announced.[26]  The census will be conducted in two phases along with enumeration of castes.  The reference date for the census will be March 1, 2027.26  For Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the reference date will be October 1, 2026.26  Reference date refers to the specific date and time on which a set of particulars are collected.  The last census of India was conducted in 2011.  The central government stated that the census had been delayed due to the COVID pandemic.[27]

In 2026-27, the census, survey and statistics/registrar general of India together have been allocated Rs 6,000 crore, compared to the revised estimates for 2025-26 at Rs 1,040 crore.  Total cost for the 11^th census was Rs 2,200 crore.[28]

Delimitation is the process of fixing boundaries of for the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies’ constituencies.  The number of members is currently based on the population figures from 1971 and 2001.[29]  The next delimitation is to be based on the first census conducted after 2026.  This would affect the representation of various states and Union Territories in Lok Sabha. 

Border management 

The Department of Border Management focuses on the: (i) management of the international land and coastal borders, (ii) strengthening of border policing and guarding, (iii) creation of infrastructure such as roads, fencing, and Border Out Posts and, (iv) implementation of the Border Area Development Programme.5  The key objective of border management is to secure India’s borders against hostile interests while also facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.5

Table 15: Allocation towards border infrastructure and management (in Rs crore)

Year	2024-25	2025-26 BE	2025-26 RE	2026-27
Maintenance and Border Check Posts	304	359	322	310
Capital Outlay	3,650	5,238	5,150	5,267
Total	3,954	5,597	5,472	5,577

Sources: Demand No 51, Ministry of Home affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

The total length of the Indo-Bangladesh border is 4,096 km, of which 3,240 kms has been fenced (79%).[30]  The length of International Border along India-Pakistan is 2,290 kms, out of which 2,135 kms (93%) has been physically fenced and 155 kms (75%) is unfenced.  Physical fencing has also been completed along 9 km of the 1,643-km-long Indo-Myanmar border.30

India also shares 3,488 kilometres of border with China.  As per the MHA (2025), no infiltration cases were reported at the Indo-China border.30

Table 16: Number of infiltration attempts detected across borders

Year	India-Bangladesh	India-Pakistan	India-Myanmar	India-Nepal-Bhutan
2014	855	45	20	0
2015	874	42	16	3
2016	654	46	12	4
2017	456	42	9	3
2018	420	40	21	4
2019	500	38	25	38
2020	486	20	34	11
2021	703	32	38	18
2022	857	49	46	15
2023	746	30	40	38
2024	977	41	37	23

Sources: Unstarred Question No 2550, Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Sabha, December 16, 2025; PRS.

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2025) urged the Ministry to compile data on the influx of immigrants, including those from Bangladesh, Rohingyas, and other countries.7  It also noted instances of Rohingyas entering the country and settling illegally in various parts of India.7  The Committee recommended MHA to take effective steps to identify illegally settled Rohingyas and repatriate them to their countries of origin.7

Vibrant Villages Programme

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was launched in February 2023 to comprehensively develop villages located in blocks abutting international land borders.[31]  It seeks to improve living conditions, create livelihood opportunities, enhance strategic integration, and strengthen security in India’s frontier areas.31

Under the Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I), villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Ladakh were selected.5

In April 2025, the Union Cabinet approved Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) as a Central Sector Scheme with 100 % funding from the Centre.31  VVP-II has an outlay of Rs 6,839 crore for implementation up to 2028-29.31  VVP-II targets select strategic villages in blocks abutting international borders beyond the northern border covered under VVP-I.  In 2026-27, VVP-I has been allocated Rs 350 crore and VVP-II has been allocated Rs 300 crore.

Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants

MHA implements the Relief and Rehabilitation for Migrants and Repatriates scheme to provide financial assistance and rehabilitation support to displaced persons, migrants, and refugees affected by conflict, displacement, and boundary settlements.7  The scheme covers rehabilitation of displaced persons and refugees, relief and rehabilitation assistance to Tripura and Manipur, financial assistance to West Pakistan Refugees in Jammu and Kashmir, enhanced compensation to 1984 riot victims, and expenditure related to the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.7

MHA (2025) informed the Standing Committee that multiple measures are being undertaken for the relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.7  These include the creation of 6,000 government jobs, of which 5,724 appointments have been made, while the remaining are under process.7  In addition, 6,000 transit accommodation units have been sanctioned, with 3,120 units completed and the remaining under construction.7

The Ministry (2025) also informed that to improve access to welfare benefits, migrant ration cards are being integrated with the National Food Security Act, 2013.7  This integration is intended to enable migrant households to access food security and other government schemes.7

Table 17: Allocation for Relief and Rehabilitation for migrants and repatriates (in Rs crore)

Year	2024-25	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE
Allocation	591	124	93

Sources: Demand No 49, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

Prisons

Prisons fall under the State List of the Constitution.[32]  Hence, management of prisons and inmates is the primary responsibility of states.  The Prisons Act, 1894 governs prisons across states.[33]  States have also enacted laws for the same.  The central government has released model laws for states to adopt, such as the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023.[34]

Overcrowding and capacity issues

Prisons across the country face overcrowding.  As of December 2023, the average occupancy rate was 121%.[35]  This has decreased from 131% in 2021-22.35  Several states reported higher occupancy levels than the national average (Table 18).

Alternatives to closed prisons are also underutilised.  Open prisons, which are intended to reduce overcrowding and aid rehabilitation, had an average occupancy rate of 74%.[36]  Further, multiple states do not have any open prisons.[37]

Table 18: States with highest occupancy rates, as of December 2023

State/UT	Occupancy Rate
Delhi	200%
Meghalaya	189%
Uttarakhand	183%
Maharashtra	155%
Madhya Pradesh	152%
Uttar Pradesh	150%
India	121%

Sources: Prisons Statistics India, 2023; PRS.

In 2021-22, the Ministry approved the Modernisation of Prisons schemes till 2025-26, with an outlay of Rs 950 crore.[38]  The scheme aims to enhance security infrastructure, and focus on correctional administration.  The scheme has been allocated Rs 300 crore for 2026-27, which is 19% higher than the revised estimates of 2025-26.

The Inter Operable Criminal Justice System, which aims to integrate digital platforms to enable seamless data sharing among police, courts, prosecution, prisons, and forensic agencies, has been allocated Rs 550 crore, as compared to Rs 300 crore in 2025-26 (revised estimates).

Undertrial Prisoners and Bail

Undertrial prisoners continue to constitute a large proportion of the prison population, accounting for up to 74% of inmates, as of 2023.35  The number of undertrial prisoners declined from 4.3 lakh in 2022 to 3.9 lakh in 2023, a reduction of 10%.35  The Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court (2025) attributed the high share of undertrial inmates to overcrowding, which also increases the cost of prison administration.36

The Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court (2025) also noted the reluctance of district courts to grant bail.36  It noted that bail rejection rates are 32.3% in Sessions Courts and 16.2% in Magisterial Courts.36  As of December 2023, 24,879 accused persons who had been granted bail remained in prison due to their inability to furnish bail bonds.36  

In 2023, cases of accused persons who had been in custody for more than one year were pending at the stages of evidence (53%), appearance (37%), and arguments (6%).36

The MHA has introduced a scheme to provide financial assistance to prisoners who are not released within seven days of a bail order or due to non-payment of fines.[39]  In 2026-27 two crore rupees have been allocated to the scheme.

Prison Conditions

The Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court (2025) noted that despite the prohibition under the Model Prison Manual, 2016, some state prison laws continue to classify prisoners into superior or special classes and ordinary classes based on social status and lifestyle.36  Further, prison manuals in certain states retain provisions that assign prison work based on caste identity and use terms such as ‘good caste’, ‘suitable caste’, and ‘high caste’.36  The Supreme Court, in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India, has held such practices to be unconstitutional.[40]

Further, in some prisons, drains and sewers continue to be cleaned manually using hand gloves due to the lack of mechanised cleaning alternatives, despite prohibition of manual scavenging.36

Wages, Health and Welfare

There is wide variation in the wages paid to prisoners for skilled work across states, from Rs 20 per day in Mizoram to Rs 615 in Karnataka.35  In states such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, wages for unskilled prison labour are at par with the lowest minimum wage.36  In several other states, prisoner wages are as low as one-nineteenth of the minimum wage.36

The Centre for Research and Planning, Supreme Court (2025) also noted that most states do not provide jail medical officers with the basic and emergency mental healthcare training mandated under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.36

Prison Reforms and Model Frameworks

The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 seeks to replace the Prisons Act, 1894, the Prisoners Act, 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950.[41]  It provides for establishment of open and semi-open prisons, use of technology in prison administration, skill development, segregation of prisoners, clearer parole conditions, and after-care services.  States may modify the Act to suit local requirements.  However, as of August 2025, no state has confirmed about the adoption of the Model Act.[42]

The Model Prison Manual, 2024 aims to bring uniformity in the basic principles governing prisons and correctional institutions.[43]  It has been adopted by 21 states and all eight Union Territories.42

Administration of Union Territories

Union territories (UTs) without legislatures are under the direct administration of the central government. Union Territories with legislatures have limited autonomy through Article 239A and 239AA of the Constitution.  

In 2026-27, Rs 69,940 crore has been allocated to the Union Territories.  Of this, Rs 43,290 crore has been allocated to Jammu and Kashmir (62% of total allocation).  Allocation for Ladakh has been reduced by 52%, from Rs 7,377 crore in revised budget for 2025-26 to Rs 4,869 crore for 2026-27.

Table 19: Allocations to Union Territories in 2026-27 (in Rs crore)

UT	2024-25	2025-26 RE	2026-27 BE	% change RE to BE
Jammu and Kashmir	46,000	41,340	43,290	5%
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	5,941	7,388	6,680	-11%
Chandigarh	5,859	5,556	5,720	3%
Ladakh	4,857	7,377	4,869	-52%
Puducherry	3,302	3,518	3,518	0%
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	2,636	2,741	2,833	3%
Lakshadweep	1,613	1,581	1,682	6%
Delhi	1,108	1,242	1,348	8%
Total	71,316	70,743	69,940	-1%

Sources: Demand No 52 to 59, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2026-27; PRS.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated Rs 43,290 crore for 2026-26, an increase of 5% over 2025-26 revised estimates (Rs 41,340 crore).  Of this, Rs 42,650 crore has been allocated for Central Assistance towards the UT, Rs 279 crore towards Disaster Response fund, and Rs 259 crore towards the Jhelum Tavi Flood Recovery Project. 

Delhi

In 2026-27, Delhi has been allocated Rs 1,348 crore.  This is an increase of 8% over the revised estimates of 2025-26.  Of this, Rs 951 crore is for the central assistance to the UT and Rs 380 crore has been allocated for Chandrawal water treatment plant.  Rs 15 crore has been allocated for the UT Disaster Response Fund.

Disaster Management

The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry for handling disasters other than drought and epidemics.5  Disaster management involves taking measures for: (i) disaster threat prevention, (ii) mitigating disaster risk and severity, (iii) capacity development to manage disasters, (iv) preparing for prompt response, evacuation, rescue, and relief, and (v) ensuring recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.

Disaster Financing Mechanism

Based on the recommendations of the 15^th Finance Commission, two funds have been constituted for disaster risk management at the state and national levels: the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) and the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).7

Table 20: Funds allocated towards disaster management for 2021-26

Component	Allocation (%)	Amount (Rs crore)
State Disaster Risk Management Fund
State Disaster Response Fund	80%	1,28,122
Response & Relief	40%	27,385
Recovery & Reconstruction	30%	20,539
Preparedness & Capacity Building	10%	6,846
State Disaster Mitigation Fund	20%	32,031
Total SDRMF	100%	1,60,153
National Disaster Risk Management Fund
National Disaster Response Fund	80%	54,770
National Disaster Mitigation Fund	20%	13,693
Total NDRMF	100%	68,463

Sources: Report No 252, Departmentally Related Standing Committee on Home Affairs, 2025; PRS.

For 2021-26, the 15^th Finance Commission had recommended a total allocation of Rs 1,60,153 crore under the SDRMF.  Of this, the Central government share is Rs 1,22,601 crore, while states are required to contribute Rs 37,552 crore.7

For 2026-27 to 2030-31, the 16^th Finance Commission has recommended Rs 2,04,401 crore for the State Disaster Risk Management Fund, an increase of 27.6% over the last award period.[44]  The funds will continue to be shared between the State Disaster Response Fund and the State Disaster Mitigation Fund in 80:20 ratio.44  State-wise allocation is provided in annexure.

Between 2020-21 and July 2025, release from the NDRF and NDMF has been low.44  Of the total Rs 68,463 crore recommended, Rs 10,385 crore was released between 2022-24.44  Response and Relief window saw the highest release at 53% (Table 27 in annexure).

For the National Disaster Risk Management Fund, a total of Rs 79,406 crore has been allocated.44 Assistance from the NDRMF supplements the SDRMF in the event of disasters of severe nature.

Table 21: Allocation towards the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (in Rs crore)

Year	Allocation
2026-27	14,370
2027-28	15,089
2028-29	15,843
2029-30	16,637
2030-31	17,467
Total	79,406

Sources:  16^th Finance Commission Report for 2026-2031; PRS.

National Disaster Response Force

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialised force to tackle disaster management and relief.5  For 2026-27, the NDRF has been allocated Rs 2,002 crore, an increase of 3.8% over 2025-26 revised estimates (Rs 1,928 crore).

The Standing Committee (2025) highlighted that the NDRF is entirely dependent on deputation from the CAPFs and currently faces a vacancy rate of about 21%, while the CAPFs themselves are experiencing staffing shortages.7  It recommended a review of deputation policies, including an assessment of the seven-year deputation tenure.7 The Committee also suggested exploring incentives such as flexible terms and enhanced allowances to encourage personnel to opt for NDRF assignments.7  Further, it recommended streamlining the nomination process and improving coordination between the NDRF and CAPFs.7

Fire Services

To strengthen fire services, the MHA launched the ‘Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States’ in July 2023.[45]  The scheme is funded through the Preparedness and Capacity Building window of the NDRF and has a total Central outlay of Rs 5,000 crore.45  As of February 2026, Rs 1,798 crore has been released to the states.[46]  It aims to improve infrastructure, equipment and overall capacity of fire services at the State level.  As of March 2025, proposals from 20 States have been approved for financial assistance under the scheme.[47]  An amount of Rs 757 crore has already been released to 18 States as the first instalment.47