Police modernisation scheme awaits Finance Ministry’s nod, Centre tells SC

The Union government notified the Supreme Court on August 5, 2026, that a proposal for an umbrella scheme to modernize police forces nationwide had been submitted to the Department of Expenditure within the Ministry of Finance for preliminary approval. Additional Solicitor General Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare informed the court that the proposal was forwarded on July 8, 2026, and was currently under review.

Thakare told the Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that the proposal aimed to modernize the entire police force, including the installation of CCTV cameras. The Bench directed the Centre to submit details of the proposal in writing within two weeks and set the matter for further hearing on September 1. The Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police scheme, which provides financial aid for CCTV infrastructure at police stations across the country, has been extended until March 31, 2027.

However, some States have been accused of prioritizing the procurement of additional police vehicles over modern equipment and scientific investigation methods. The court emphasized that police modernization should focus on advanced equipment and technology to enhance scientific investigation and investigative capabilities.