MHA takes over Rs 17,000 crore police budget in JK

Srinagar: The Government of India has announced it will take over the financial burden of the Jammu and Kashmir Police force, freeing up resources for welfare and development projects in the region.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement during the JK Budget speech in Parliament, stating, “The Government of India has agreed to take the entire burden of the police budget from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Currently, about 11 percent of JK’s budget is allocated to policing, limiting room for development initiatives. The government has allocated Rs 12,000 crore in the annual budget to cover the salary, pension, and other costs of the JK Police.

Sitharaman noted that JK faces high fiscal stress, with 70 percent of its total expenditure dependent on central grants. To correct this, the government is providing financial support and reforms, including a special central assistance of Rs 17,000 crore to address fiscal issues.