UPSC » Internal Security Notes » Umbrella Scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)

Umbrella Scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)

Introduction

‘Police’ and ‘law and order’ are examples of things that are under the state’s jurisdiction. However, due to financial restrictions, states have not been able to fully modernise and equip their police forces to the necessary degree. From 1969-70, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has supplemented the efforts and resources of the States by implementing the Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) on a periodic basis.

Objectives:

  • By fully equipping State Police Forces and strengthening their training infrastructure, State Governments would be able to gradually lessen their reliance on the Army and Central Armed Police Forces to regulate internal security and law and order issues. 
  • Construction of secure police stations, training centres, police housing (residential), and providing police stations with the necessary mobility, modern armament, communication equipment, and forensic set-up, among other things, to develop police infrastructure at a cutting-edge level.

This umbrella scheme comprises two schemes, namely:

  • Scheme for Modernisation of Police Forces of States and Union Territories. 
  • Scheme of Security Related Expenditure (SRE) for Jammu & Kashmir, the North-Eastern States and Left-Wing Extremism affected areas.

The Government of India has included the umbrella scheme of “Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)” as a ‘core’ scheme. The progress of implementation of the scheme is regularly reviewed by the Home Minister and the Union Home Secretary.