New Delhi: Reinforcing its emphasis on internal security amid evolving threats, the Union government has significantly stepped up spending on intelligence and security architecture in the Union Budget 2026–27, even as a sharp increase in census-related expenditure expands the overall outlay of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Budget earmarks ₹6,782.43 crore for intelligence-related expenditure, marking a steep nearly 69% increase over the previous year. Officials and security analysts describe the jump as a clear signal of the government’s intent to modernise and strengthen the intelligence apparatus to counter infiltration, terrorism and emerging security challenges.
The renewed focus comes against the backdrop of concerns over border security, terror incidents and the need to prevent a recurrence of attacks such as the Delhi Red Fort blast. According to officials, the enhanced allocation is aimed at improving technological capabilities, data analysis, surveillance systems and inter-agency coordination.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Security remains the Home Ministry’s financial backbone
Despite the one-time spike in census funding, internal security continues to dominate the Home Ministry’s expenditure profile. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which form the backbone of internal security operations, have been allocated ₹1,73,802.53 crore, reflecting the sustained priority accorded to counter-insurgency, border guarding and law-and-order support duties across states.
Overall expenditure under the Home Ministry, including Union Territories, has shown a steady upward trajectory for the third consecutive year. For 2026–27, total spending has been pegged at ₹2,55,234 crore, representing a 5.69% increase over the revised estimates of 2025–26.
Officials note that while census-related funding has contributed significantly to the expansion in the Budget size, core security-related allocations have also risen in absolute terms, underlining the government’s long-term commitment to internal stability.
Jammu and Kashmir, strategic UTs get higher support
Reflecting continued sensitivity around border and strategic regions, Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹43,290.29 crore. The allocation underscores the Centre’s ongoing focus on security, governance and infrastructure support in the Union Territory.
Other strategically important Union Territories have also received enhanced funding, highlighting the dual emphasis on security preparedness and development in remote regions:
| Union Territory / Region | Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 6,680.94 |
| Ladakh | 4,869.31 |
| Chandigarh | 5,720.17 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 2,832.70 |
| Lakshadweep | 1,682.35 |
| Delhi | 1,348.01 |
Officials said the allocations reflect the need to strengthen infrastructure, logistics and administrative capacity in geographically isolated and strategically sensitive areas.
Census spending boosts overall outlay
The Budget also provides a substantial increase in funding for the long-pending national census, which has contributed to the visible expansion in the Home Ministry’s overall expenditure. While census operations are administrative in nature, officials pointed out that accurate population data is critical for long-term planning in areas such as security deployment, disaster management and resource allocation.
A look at expenditure trends shows a steady rise over recent years. Home Ministry spending stood at ₹2,24,585 crore in 2024–25, increased to ₹2,33,211 crore in the 2025–26 Budget Estimates, and was later revised upward to ₹2,41,485 crore. The latest allocation for 2026–27 builds on this upward momentum.
Intelligence modernisation a key theme
Security experts say the sharp increase in intelligence spending suggests a shift towards technology-driven security frameworks, including enhanced cyber capabilities, real-time data integration and predictive threat assessment. With threats becoming more decentralised and technology-enabled, intelligence agencies are expected to invest heavily in advanced tools and skilled manpower.
“The scale of the increase indicates that intelligence modernisation is no longer incremental but structural,” a senior security analyst said, adding that better intelligence is seen as the first line of defence against terrorism and internal disturbances.
