Srinagar, Feb 26: As the central government has approved a massive Rs 9,325 crore separate budget for the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), the infrastructure, technology and operational capabilities of the force is all set for a major transformation in the year ahead.
Reliable sources said that the J&K Police will follow the Delhi Police model, especially training and equipment. The initiative aims to equip JKP with cutting-edge surveillance, advanced weaponry, and AI-driven policing tools to tackle modern security challenges effectively.
On February 1, while presenting the Union Budget, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that J&K police will receive Rs 9325. 73 for 2025-25 against Rs 8,665.94 Cr in 2024-2025. J&K police is directly controlled by the Home Ministry since the rollback of Article 370 in August 2019 when J&K ‘s special status was revoked and the erstwhile State was sliced into two Union Territories—Ladakh and J&K.
Sources privy to the fresh modernisation plan of the J&K Police under separate budgetary provision, said that the force will see upgradation of police stations with smart technology, digital case management and modern infrastructure. “Besides, the J&K police will also procure advanced weaponry, riot control gear, and tactical equipment. Deployment of AI-based surveillance systems, drones and GPS-enabled patrol vehicles is also on cards,” they said.
They said that establishment and enhancement of forensic and cybercrime labs to strengthen investigations and improve crime detection is also on cards. “Specialised training programmes focusing on counter-terrorism, cybercrime and urban policing,” sources said.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development. “The centre has sanctioned this substantial financial package to ensure that JKP is well-equipped to handle evolving security challenges. The focus is on smart policing, better infrastructure and advanced technology to improve efficiency and public trust.”
A JKP official, welcoming the move, stated: “This modernisation plan is a game-changer. From AI-powered surveillance to better-equipped police stations, the force will undergo a complete transformation. It will enhance our response capabilities and improve law enforcement effectiveness.” He said that special focus will be on District Police Lines (DPLs) across J&K and the police stations in remote areas. “There is every possibility that more police stations or police posts would be added across the J&K,” he said.
The initiative comes after years of growing demand for upgrading J&K’s police force, which has faced resource constraints despite operating in one of India’s most sensitive security zones. Experts believe the move is crucial in strengthening law and order while also improving public confidence in the police. A retired police officer said: “J&K requires a technologically advanced force. While remaining busy in dealing with the counter-insurgency for over three decades, forces couldn’t avail all benefits of central schemes in terms of modernisation.”
He said the funding, if utilised efficiently, will significantly improve policing standards, crime prevention, and security management. “With this major financial push, JKP is set to become one of the most modernised police forces in the country. The transformation is expected to enhance law enforcement efficiency, improve emergency response, and provide better public safety services,” he said. “Force is expected to follow Delhi police model as far as modernisation is concerned.”
As the modernisation drive unfolds, its implementation and impact on crime prevention, counterinsurgency efforts, and daily policing will be closely monitored in the coming months. A former DGP of J&K Police while speaking to Rising Kashmir said the separate police budget of Rs 9325 has to be utilised in full to push the force to new heights. “Even as the terrorism is at its low, challenges remain. It’s time to follow all modern techniques be it technology or policing. When we talk about modernisation, you need to explore all means. Even though some steps were taken in the past few years, with each passing day, technology offers you new things to learn. I believe we must take full advantage of the separate police budget and I am sure we will,” he said.
While speaking to Rising Kashmir, former DGP of J&K Dilbagh Singh said the generous support from the Centre, especially from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has helped J&K police grow in the past. “The huge budget this year is a welcome development. I am sure that we would be able to clear the liabilities and move forward and make the force number one in the country,” Singh said. He said technology is something nobody can ignore. “J&K Police is fully capable of using all the modern technology and I believe the Centre’s budgetary support will help the force touch new heights,” he said.
