The Union government has told the Supreme Court that it is implementing a Police Modernisation Mission valued at approximately ₹24,000 crore over five years.
The submission emerged in proceedings concerning CCTV systems in police stations. Reports published on September 4, 2026 said the proposed umbrella mission would strengthen the capabilities of state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces through technology and infrastructure.
What the Police Modernisation Mission covers
The Home Ministry’s Police Modernisation Division handles equipment, communications, reforms and modernisation requirements for state police and central forces. The new mission is described as a broader framework combining multiple capability-building needs.
A funding headline does not itself show how money will be divided. State allocations, eligible projects, release conditions and implementation timelines will need to be confirmed through scheme guidelines and budget documents.
The immediate CCTV issue
The Supreme Court proceedings focused on the availability and functioning of CCTV cameras in police stations. The court cautioned against allowing existing funds to remain unused while a larger scheme is being developed.
The government’s affidavit said the existing umbrella scheme for modernisation had been extended through March 31, 2027 so that committed liabilities and state assistance could continue during the transition.
Why implementation matters
Police modernisation can include communication networks, forensic capacity, vehicles, surveillance systems, training and secure data infrastructure. Technology can improve response and documentation, but it requires maintenance, cybersecurity, procurement oversight and trained personnel.
For CCTV specifically, installation is only the first step. Cameras must function, cover required areas, retain footage for the prescribed period and operate with clear access and accountability rules.
How the programme should be assessed
Useful measures include the share of police stations with working systems, repair times, audit compliance, funds released and spent, and whether states meet operational standards.
Public reporting should also distinguish between approved outlay, funds actually released and verified expenditure. A five-year envelope should not be described as money already spent.
Next steps
The court will continue to examine compliance in the CCTV matter, while the Home Ministry will need to formalise and administer the wider mission. State governments remain central because policing is primarily a state responsibility under India’s constitutional structure.
The confirmed position is that the Centre has presented the ₹24,000 crore plan to the Supreme Court; detailed implementation and outcomes remain to be demonstrated.
