Haryana Police to Equip Officers with Body Cameras in New Budget Proposal
Introduction of Body Cameras for Haryana Police
In a significant move, the Haryana government plans to equip police personnel on the streets with body cameras over the next three years. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced this initiative while presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly on Monday, proposing the purchase of 5,000 cameras in the upcoming year.
During his budget speech, Saini also revealed plans to establish seven women police stations in Loharu, Barwala, Narwana, Samalkha, Maham, Radaur, and Pehowa. Additionally, three new cybercrime police stations will be set up in Sonipat, Gohana, and Bahadurgarh.
Details of the Budget Proposal
Saini stated, "I propose to purchase 5,000 cameras next year, which will record all activities of police officers on duty." To effectively combat terrorist activities, a counter-terrorism squad (ATS) will be formed under the leadership of an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police. He also mentioned the establishment of one ATS police station each in Gurugram and Panchkula, with provisions to include female commandos in the squad.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced the construction of district jails in Fatehabad, Charkhi Dadri, and Panchkula, along with a high-security prison in Rohtak.
Empowerment and Criticism
After presenting the budget, Saini spoke to the media, emphasizing that the aim is to empower all sections of society, with a special focus on women, youth, athletes, farmers, and entrepreneurs. He entered the assembly wearing a saffron turban, greeted by the ruling party members chanting 'Jo Bole So Nihal.'
In contrast, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticized the budget as 'disconnected from reality,' alleging that the BJP government has burdened the state with over ₹55 lakh crore in debt. Abhay Singh Chautala, president of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), echoed these sentiments, claiming that the BJP government has consistently increased the state's debt over the past eleven years and demanded a white paper on the issue.
Hooda asserted that the state's total liabilities, including internal loans, small savings, public sector loans, and pending electricity bills and subsidies, amount to approximately ₹55 lakh crore, indicating severe financial pressure and a deteriorating economic situation. He accused the government of failing to create jobs and control inflation, presenting incomplete figures regarding per capita income growth. He noted, 'During the Congress government, per capita income increased from about ₹37,000 to approximately ₹1.50 lakh, a fourfold increase, while under the BJP's ten years, it has only doubled.'