Allocations to Justice-Related Schemes
Since 2019, the central government has consistently reduced budget allocations for justice-related schemes, as revealed by the India Justice Report 2025-26.
Not only have budget allocations decreased, but only a fraction of the allocated funds have been spent on these schemes.
Modernisation Fund for State Police Forces
The Modernisation Fund for State Police Forces aims to upgrade police infrastructure and crime tracking systems.
Budget estimates (BE) for the fund decreased from ₹900 crore in FY19 to ₹587.97 crore in FY26
Actual spending has been much lower than revised estimates (RE), with only 6% of the allocated ₹600 crore spent in FY23.
Forensic Capacity Modernisation
Modernisation of Forensic Capacities scheme was introduced to improve forensic infrastructure and address the shortage of forensic scientists
Allocations for this scheme saw significant fluctuations, with a sharp increase followed by a decrease in recent years.
Modernisation of Prisons Fund
The Modernisation of Prisons Fund aims to improve prison conditions and renovate existing facilities.
While the allocation peaked at ₹400 crore in FY23, it has been reduced to ₹300 crore in the last two years.
Utilisation of this fund decreased, with only 44% of the allocated funds used in FY23.
Judiciary and Legal Services Fund Allocations
Schemes related to the judiciary, such as the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), have seen steady allocations and 100% utilisation.
NALSA's budget has increased since FY19, reaching ₹400 crore in FY24.
Allocations for judicial infrastructure development have decreased from ₹1,123 crore in FY25 to ₹998 crore in FY26, though they’ve generally been well-utilised.
COMMENTS