‘Police Modernisation Scheme Awaits Finance Ministry’s Nod’, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union government has submitted a proposal for an umbrella scheme aimed at the comprehensive modernization of police forces nationwide to the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
• This proposal, forwarded on July 8, 2026, seeks in-principle approval for the new scheme.
• The Supreme Court is overseeing the matter through a suo motu proceeding initiated in 2025, prompted by reports of non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations.
• The existing Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police scheme has been extended until March 31, 2027.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court's suo motu proceeding began after a media report highlighted issues with CCTV cameras in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• This judicial review is linked to the implementation of the court's 2021 judgment in Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh, which mandated CCTV installation in police stations.
• The proposed new umbrella scheme is intended to modernize the police force holistically, encompassing both infrastructure and human resource augmentation.
• The Supreme Court had previously urged the Union government to expedite the release of funds for CCTV camera installation and the establishment of a centralized monitoring dashboard.
• An amicus curiae assisting the court expressed concern that some states prioritize acquiring additional police vehicles over modern equipment and scientific investigation methods.
• The broader Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) umbrella scheme was initially approved in September 2017 with a total outlay of ₹25,061 crore for three years.
• The Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP), a sub-scheme, focuses on strengthening police infrastructure, technology, weaponry, and communication, with an approved outlay of ₹4846 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Police Modernisation Scheme: A central government initiative to equip state police forces with modern technology, weaponry, communication, and infrastructure to address internal security challenges.
• Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh: A 2020 Supreme Court judgment mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations to enhance transparency and accountability and protect human rights.
• Suo motu proceeding: A legal action initiated by a court on its own motion, without a formal petition from any party, often based on information like media reports or public interest.
• Amicus curiae: A Latin term meaning "friend of the court," referring to an impartial advisor, typically a legal professional, appointed by the court to offer information or expertise.
• Department of Expenditure: A division under the Ministry of Finance responsible for overseeing government expenditure, financial management, and budget execution, ensuring efficient allocation of public funds.