Union Budget 2025-26: Rs 2.33 Lakh Crore Allocated to Ministry of Home Affairs, Boosting Police Forces and Security Infrastructure
The Union Budget 2025-26 has earmarked a significant allocation of Rs 2,33,210.68 crore for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening internal security, law enforcement, and border management. A substantial portion of this budget, Rs 1,60,391.06 crore, has been directed toward central police forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles, reflecting an increased focus on national security and law enforcement modernization.
Major Allocations to Central Police Forces
Among the biggest beneficiaries, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has received Rs 35,147.17 crore, marking a rise from last year’s revised estimate of Rs 34,328.61 crore. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been allocated Rs 28,231.27 crore, while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for safeguarding critical national infrastructure, will receive Rs 16,084.83 crore.
Other paramilitary forces have also seen budget increases:
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Rs 10,370 crore (up from Rs 9,861.14 crore)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Rs 10,237.28 crore (up from Rs 9,834.59 crore)
- Assam Rifles: Rs 8,274.29 crore (up from Rs 7,855.23 crore)
These forces play a crucial role in maintaining internal security, tackling terrorism, managing border conflicts, and countering insurgencies across the country.
Increased Focus on Jammu & Kashmir and Border Regions
The budget has allocated Rs 41,000.07 crore for Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing the Centre’s continued efforts in developing the Union Territory after the revocation of Article 370. Ladakh, another region that became a separate UT, has been allocated Rs 4,692.15 crore.
Other Union Territories have received the following allocations:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Rs 6,212.06 crore
- Chandigarh: Rs 6,187.48 crore
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: Rs 2,780 crore
- Lakshadweep: Rs 1,586.16 crore
- Puducherry: Rs 3,432.20 crore
Funding for Intelligence, Law Enforcement, and Disaster Response
The budget also strengthens intelligence and disaster management. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been allotted Rs 3,893.35 crore, while Delhi Police will receive Rs 11,931.66 crore for maintaining law and order in the national capital. The Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has been allotted Rs 489 crore.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, now under central administration, has been granted Rs 9,325.73 crore, reflecting increased security needs in the region. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has received Rs 1,922.59 crore to enhance disaster preparedness and relief efforts.
Modernization and Infrastructure Development
A significant emphasis has been placed on modernizing law enforcement and security infrastructure. The Modernization of Police Forces scheme has seen a significant jump in funding, with Rs 4,069.24 crore allocated compared to Rs 2,623.74 crore last year. The Border Infrastructure and Management program has been allotted Rs 5,597.25 crore, reinforcing India’s border security framework.
Additional allocations include:
- Developing Police Infrastructure: Rs 4,379.20 crore
- Schemes for Women's Safety: Rs 960.12 crore
- Central Sector Projects & Home Ministry-Sponsored Schemes: Rs 12,491.17 crore
- Security-Related Expenditure: Rs 4,876.34 crore
- Vibrant Villages Programme: Rs 1,056.40 crore
Other Key Budgetary Allocations
- Cabinet Expenses (PMO, Council of Ministers, Secretariats, Hospitality & Entertainment): Rs 1,024.30 crore
- Relief on Account of Natural Calamities & Social Service Activities: Rs 2,721.20 crore
- Safe City Project: Rs 215.34 crore
- Grants to State Governments: Rs 3,494.39 crore
- Grants to UT Governments: Rs 1,515.02 crore
- Northeastern Development Initiatives: Rs 810 crore
Census and Population Data Collection Delayed Again
A key takeaway from the budget is the continued delay in conducting the decadal census, which was initially scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget has allocated only Rs 574.80 crore towards census-related activities, a marginal increase from Rs 572 crore in 2024-25. This signals that the government is not prioritizing the census exercise this fiscal year, likely pushing it further down the line.
The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a clear focus on internal security, modernization of law enforcement, and border management. The increased allocations to paramilitary forces, police modernization, and infrastructure projects highlight the government’s commitment to national security. The significant funds earmarked for Jammu & Kashmir, border security, and intelligence agencies also underscore the Centre’s long-term strategic vision. With the police and security forces receiving a bulk of the allocation, the budget sets a strong foundation for enhancing India's internal stability and preparedness for emerging security challenges.
