The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revised the guidelines for the “Assistance to States for Modernization of Police” scheme, previously known as the “Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF) Scheme.” This revised sub-scheme, part of the larger “Modernization of Police Forces” umbrella scheme, aims to equip state police forces with modern technology, infrastructure, and training to enhance their effectiveness in maintaining law and order and combating crime. The revised guidelines are applicable for three years, from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
Background and Objectives
The Indian Constitution designates “Public Order” and “Police” as state subjects, placing the responsibility for maintaining law and order primarily with State Governments. However, recognizing the resource constraints faced by states, the MHA has been supplementing their efforts through the MPF scheme since 1969-70. The revised sub-scheme aims to gradually reduce the dependence of states on the Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) by strengthening state police forces.
The key objectives of the revised scheme are:
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To equip police forces with modern technology, weaponry, and communication equipment.
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To enhance police infrastructure, including police stations, outposts, and housing.
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To improve police training and forensic capabilities.
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To focus on mobility and construction of police infrastructure in specific areas like Jammu & Kashmir, insurgency-affected areas of the Northeast, and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
Funding Pattern
The scheme categorizes states into two groups based on their needs and challenges:
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Category ‘A’: Three Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and eight North Eastern States (including Sikkim) receive financial assistance on a 90:10 Centre:State sharing basis.
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Category ‘B’: All remaining states receive financial assistance on a 60:40 Centre:State sharing basis.
Eligible Items and Activities
The scheme supports expenditures on a wide range of items and activities:
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Weapons: Modern weapons for police personnel.
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Training: Training aids and equipment for police personnel.
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Forensics: Equipment for forensic science labs, including cyber forensic labs.
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Technology: Communication, surveillance, traffic control, and software for SMART policing.
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Mobility: Procurement of vehicles for operational use, with a focus on field-level police offices in specific areas.
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Construction: Building and upgrading of police stations, outposts, police lines, police housing, and training institutions.
Targeted Interventions
The revised scheme prioritizes areas such as:
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Jammu & Kashmir
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Insurgency-affected areas of the North East Region
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Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas
These areas receive special attention for mobility and infrastructure construction.
Mega City Policing
Mega City Policing is a separate component of the scheme, with an allocation of Rs. 432.90 crore for two phases in six cities: Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. This component focuses on technological upgrades and infrastructure enhancements for these cities.
Incentives for Police Reforms
The scheme also incentivizes states to implement police reforms. States that demonstrate exemplary work in implementing recommended reforms can receive up to 10% of their annual allocation.
Approval Mechanism
The approval process for State Action Plans (SAPs) is structured as follows:
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will intimate tentative annual allocations to the States.
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State Governments submit SAPs to MHA, approved by the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC).
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The High Power Committee (HPC) in the MHA reviews and approves the SAPs.
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Final state-wise allocations are conveyed after the Union Budget is passed.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The scheme will be monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a Programme Management Unit (PMU) and through deputed officers who will visit states for periodic assessments.
Conclusion
The revised “Assistance to States for Modernization of Police” scheme is a significant step towards strengthening India’s police forces. By providing targeted financial assistance, promoting the adoption of modern technology, and incentivizing police reforms, the scheme aims to enhance the capabilities of state police forces, ensuring they are better equipped to maintain law and order, combat crime, and serve the citizens effectively.