Union Budget 2026 Signals Major Push for Internal Security Modernisation
The Union Budget 2026–27 marks one of the most substantial investments ever made in India’s internal security framework, reflecting the government’s intent to modernise policing, intelligence, and border management. Presented by Nirmala Sitharaman , the Budget places strong emphasis on technology, infrastructure creation, and capacity building to address evolving internal and external security challenges.
Record Allocation for Police and Internal Security
Under the Budget, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been allocated ₹1,73,802.53 crore for police and internal security in FY27, a rise of over 7 per cent compared to the previous year’s revised estimates. The most striking feature is the sharp increase in capital expenditure, which has surged by 84 per cent to ₹21,272.47 crore. This shift signals a clear move away from routine expenditure towards long-term investments in infrastructure, advanced equipment, and modern security systems.
Intelligence Bureau and Surveillance Capabilities
A major beneficiary of the enhanced allocation is the Intelligence Bureau, whose overall budget has risen sharply. Capital expenditure for the agency has increased more than eight-fold, pointing to a renewed focus on high-end surveillance technologies, data analytics, and intelligence-processing capabilities. Officials indicate that this investment will strengthen early-warning systems and improve coordination across intelligence agencies, even as spending on platforms such as NATGRID stabilises following earlier infrastructure expansion.
Border Infrastructure and Central Armed Police Forces
Border management has received renewed priority, with over ₹5,200 crore earmarked for fencing, border roads, floodlighting, observation towers, and technology-driven surveillance along sensitive frontiers. At the same time, the seven Central Armed Police Forces have been allocated a combined outlay of ₹1,16,789.30 crore, the highest ever. Enhanced funding for forces deployed along the northern and western borders reflects strategic concerns related to infiltration, smuggling, and rapid-response preparedness.
Important Facts for Exams
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Internal security capital expenditure rose by about 84 per cent in Budget 2026.
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Intelligence Bureau capital outlay recorded a multi-fold increase.
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Border infrastructure allocation crossed ₹5,200 crore for FY27.
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Central Armed Police Forces received their highest-ever combined budget.
Focus on Women’s Safety, Forensics and Police Reforms
Beyond borders and intelligence, the Budget adopts a broader approach to internal security by strengthening women’s safety initiatives, forensic capacity, and police modernisation. Funding for forensic modernisation has been increased to ₹500 crore, while additional resources have been allocated to the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System to enable seamless data sharing between police, courts, and prisons. Centrally sponsored schemes supporting state police reforms have also been expanded, reinforcing a shift towards technology-enabled, evidence-based law enforcement.
Strategic Significance
Taken together, the Budget 2026–27 reflects a strategic recalibration of internal security spending. By prioritising capital investment, advanced technology, and institutional reform, the government aims to build resilient security capabilities that can respond effectively to emerging threats while improving everyday policing and justice delivery.
Month: Current Affairs - February 02, 2026
Category: Internal Security | Governance