Budget 2024: MHA Allocations Show Border Surveillance, Cybersecurity, Women’s Safety Focus Areas

The interim budget presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reflected a strategic emphasis on boosting border security, surveillance, cyber security and women’s safety, by way of the substantial allocation made to the home ministry. The BSF Air Wing, Aircrafts, River Boats and Helibase scheme witnessed a threefold increase in budget allocation, signalling a commitment to enhancing infrastructure for border security.

The budget for the ministry’s Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has surged by at least 70 percent, while the cyber coordination budget has increased by a whopping 900 percent as compared to 2022. This underscores the central government’s recognition of the growing importance of cybersecurity.

Schemes aimed at ensuring women’s safety have got a significant boost, with allocations soaring from Rs 321 crore to Rs 955 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal. This hike indicates a heightened focus on addressing issues related to women’s safety.

The BSF Air Wing, Aircrafts, River Boats, and Helibase scheme received a commendable boost from Rs 78.19 crore to Rs 263 crore, contributing to the enhancement of border security infrastructure. Similarly, the I4C’s budget has risen from Rs 94.40 crore to Rs 150.95 crore, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to strengthening cyber security coordination.

The ministry of finance has allocated Rs 55 crore for upgrading the central forensic laboratories, including the establishment of the National Forensic Data Centre that is a new inclusion in this year’s budget.

There is, however, a notable reduction in allocation to the Nirbhaya Fund, with the government assigning Rs 50 crore instead of the previous Rs 100 crore. Conversely, the Intelligence Bureau has faced a reduction in funds, while allocations for research have increased.

Paramilitary forces, including CRPF, BSF and CISF, have received the same funding as the previous year, with the CRPF securing the maximum share. This budgetary distribution aligns with strategic priorities, reinforcing critical areas of national security and public safety.