Police Modernisation Scheme Awaits Finance Ministry Approval

The Union government recently apprised the Supreme Court regarding the status of the 'Umbrella Scheme for Modernisation of Police Forces,' stating that the proposal is currently under the active consideration of the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance. This development is significant as it directly impacts the implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2021 judgment in the Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh case, which mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations across the country to ensure transparency and prevent custodial torture.

Police modernisation is a multi-faceted challenge in India, involving the integration of advanced technology, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building. The proposed umbrella scheme aims to provide the necessary financial impetus to states to upgrade their forensic capabilities, communication networks, and surveillance infrastructure. The delay in approval highlights the complexities of fiscal federalism, where the Centre and States must coordinate to ensure that the 'Police'—a subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule—is equipped to handle modern-day security threats, including cybercrime and organized crime.

From a governance perspective, the installation of CCTV cameras is not merely a technical requirement but a fundamental measure to uphold human rights and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system. The Supreme Court has consistently emphasized that the lack of funds should not be a pretext for states to delay the installation of surveillance systems that protect citizens from potential police excesses. As the government moves toward finalizing this scheme, the focus remains on balancing budgetary constraints with the constitutional imperative of ensuring a transparent and accountable police force that adheres to the rule of law.