Budget Focus: Modernisation, Border Infrastructure, and Intel Grid Top MHA Priorities

• The upcoming Union Budget is expected to prioritize police force modernization, border infrastructure development, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
• MHA budget documents for 2023-24 and 2024-25 show a clear shift towards capital expenditure for asset creation in policing, border management, and intelligence systems.
• Operation Sindoor highlighted the need for permanent infrastructure, technology-led policing, all-weather roads, and enhanced surveillance along borders.
• Significant allocations are noted for Border Infrastructure and Management (Rs 3,336.16 crore in 2023-24) and Police Infrastructure (Rs 2,447.76 crore), focusing on capital outlay.
• Expenditure on Intelligence Bureau and technology-linked heads, including NATGRID, stood at Rs 3,174.56 crore, emphasizing secure networks and data integration.

Why It Matters: The upcoming budget will continue MHA's focus on capital expenditure for internal security infrastructure and technology.