Assam Police Faces Funding Cuts Amid Infrastructure Development Plans
Funding Challenges for Assam Police
Guwahati, July 26: The State Cabinet has recently approved a budget of Rs 150 crore aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of Assam Police. However, the financial backing from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the modernization of police forces has been significantly decreasing in recent years, with the reasons for this trend remaining unclear.
Data indicates that Assam Police received Rs 26.4 crore from the MHA consistently from 2019-20 to 2021-22. Yet, in the fiscal year 2022-23, this funding was drastically reduced by over 55% to Rs 11.65 crore.
The decline persisted into 2023-24, with only Rs 6.58 crore allocated, representing a staggering drop of more than 70% compared to the allocation two years prior (2021-22).
Overall, from 2019-20 to 2023-24, Assam has received approximately Rs 96 crore in total funding.
Assam, along with Manipur and Mizoram, is among the states facing the largest reductions in modernization funding. Security analysts have expressed astonishment at the funding trends from the Centre, particularly concerning Manipur, which has been grappling with ongoing law and order issues.
Interestingly, the percentage of funding cuts for Assam exceeds those of states like Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, which have shown better stability compared to Assam and Manipur. Goa is one of the few states that has either maintained or increased its flow of Central funds for police modernization.
The reduction in funding raises serious concerns regarding Assam's ability to enhance its core police infrastructure. The funding distribution for Assam and other northeastern states operates on a 90:10 ratio (Centre: State).
“Many police stations, particularly in Guwahati, often become incapacitated after regular rainfall, with officers frequently seen draining water from the Geetanagar and Satgaon police stations,” noted a police official.
“Barracks in various districts are reportedly in disrepair, and CCTV coverage is incomplete in numerous locations,” he added.
“Basic facilities remain insufficient – many stations lack secure transport vehicles, with some vehicles lacking essential features like functional doors,” a source revealed.
“The much-touted ‘Moitri’ scheme, aimed at overhauling police stations, has also not met expectations, with officers citing extreme heat and poor working conditions as factors impacting police morale. The Rs 150-crore fund approved by the State Government, if utilized effectively, could address many of these challenges,” another source commented.
While retired officials affirm that states must submit comprehensive modernization proposals to the Centre, it remains uncertain whether Assam requested lower funding or if the MHA independently decided to reduce the proposed amounts.