The Union Budget 2026–27 has signalled a clear prioritisation of internal security, allocating a hefty Rs 2,55,234 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This marks nearly a 10% increase over the Rs 2,33,210.68 crore provided in the previous financial year (FY2025-26), reinforcing the Centre’s focus on policing, intelligence, border infrastructure and counter-insurgency.
Notably, this is the first Union Budget after the brief miliatry conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 (Operation Sindoor), following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in which Pakistan-affiliated terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians, most of whom were tourists.
A significant share of the allocation flows to the central police forces tasked with guarding borders, combating terrorism and maintaining internal order.
MHA Budget 2027 allocation: Police forces take Lion’s share
At the heart of the MHA outlay is funding for policing and internal security. The net allocation for police forces in 2026–27 stands at Rs 1,73,802.53 crore, a 7.1% rise over last year’s revised estimates.
The seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles and SSB, together receive Rs 1,16,789.30 crore, reflecting an 11.4% increase over actual spending in 2024–25. This makes it the largest single-year allocation for police and security forces in India’s history.
Another striking feature perhaps in this year’s budget is the surge in capital spending. Capital outlay under the Home Ministry has jumped by 84%, rising from Rs 11,561.10 crore in 2024–25 to Rs 21,272.47 crore in 2026–27. The spike points to a shift from routine expenditure to long-term capacity building like new infra, modern equipment and advanced surveillance systems.
What did the budget announced on border infrastructure?
Border management remains a key focus area, with Rs 5,576.51 crore allocated in 2026–27. Of this, Rs 5,266.51 crore is earmarked for construction projects like fencing, roads, observation towers, floodlighting and high-tech surveillance; Rs 310 crore has been set aside for maintenance and border check posts.
This represents a jump of around 44% over spending in 2024–25 and is aimed largely at strengthening the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pakistan borders.
Budget allocation for intelligence and counter-terror grid
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) saw a budgetary allocation rise to Rs 6,782.43 crore, underlining the importance of intelligence-led security. Meanwhile, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) received Rs 108.98 crore, lower than previous years, indicating major infrastructure is now in place and focus has shifted to operational integration rather than expansion.
Under Modernisation Plan IV, the CAPFs will receive Rs 343.66 crore, split between revenue and capital expenditure, to induct modern weapons, equipment and upgraded IT systems.
Police infrastructure development has more than doubled, with Rs 5,393.37 crore allocated in 2026–27. This includes major funding for CAPF buildings, Delhi Police infrastructure and assistance to states and UTs for narcotics control.
What did Budget 2026 have for women’s safety?
Women’s safety schemes saw a sharp rise to Rs 889.05 crore, compared to Rs 286.42 crore in actual spending in 2024–25. Key allocations include:
– Rs 200 crore for the Nirbhaya Fund,
– Rs 175.05 crore for Emergency Response Support Systems,
– Rs 500 crore for modernising forensic capacities.
Safe City projects across states receive Rs 125 crore, fully funded through the Nirbhaya Fund, with an emphasis on surveillance, CCTNS integration and smarter policing.
Budget 2026 allocations for Delhi Police and Jammu & Kashmir Police
The Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 12,503.65 crore, while the Jammu & Kashmir Police receives Rs 9,925.50 crore, up 16% increase over 2024–25. The enhanced funding reflects continued security challenges and the need to strengthen local policing in the Union Territory.
Renewed focus on left-wing extremism
Combating Maoist insurgency remains a priority, with Rs 3,610.80 crore allocated for Security Related Expenditure and the Special Infrastructure Scheme in 35 worst-affected districts. Notably, Rs 430 crore of this is capital expenditure, in the first such allocation, indicating a shift towards building permanent security infrastructure.
Meanwhile, states will receive Rs 4,061.34 crore through centrally sponsored schemes for police modernisation and security-related expenditure. The Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II has been allocated Rs 300.02 crore, complementing Phase I’s Rs 350 crore. Together, these schemes aim to transform border villages.