The recent release of data by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has shed light on various aspects of policing in India. This includes details on women police officers, policing expenditure, constabulary ratio, transport and communication facilities, representation of various social groups, and police training centers.
Expenses and Representation
According to the data released by BPRD, the Indian government spent Rs. 1,566.85 crores in 2019-20 on expenditure and police training. On the topic of representation, the figures indicate that despite making up about 67% of the country’s population, Backward Classes, Dalits, and Tribals only form 51% of India’s police forces. This statistic highlights the unfinished goal of proportional representation, in spite of state governments providing reservation to these social groups.
Vacant Posts in Policing
The data reveals a considerable number of vacant posts in both state police forces and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). A total of over 5.31 lakh posts in state police forces and around 1.27 lakh posts in the CAPF are currently unoccupied. The figures account for posts across civil police, district armed police, special armed police, and India Reserve Battalions.
Scheduled Tribes in the Police Force
Scheduled Tribes (STs), who form 8.6% of India’s population, have a comparatively better representation in the police forces at 12%. Interestingly, STs are the only group that surpass their population percentage in terms of police force representation, while all other backward classes have a weak showing.
Representation of Dalits and Other Backward Classes
By the end of 2019, Dalits, who account for 16.6% of India’s population, represented 14% of police forces across the nation. In comparison, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) have a highly unequal representation as they form a 25% share in the police forces, despite their 41% share in India’s population.
Women in Policing
Women, who constitute 48% of India’s population, are grossly underrepresented in the police force with only a 10% share. However, there is some positive news as the actual strength of women in police forces has nearly doubled since 2014. The ratio of the female population per woman police officer stands at 3,026 nationally, which is alarmingly low and contributes to difficulties in addressing crimes against women.
Police-Population and Police-Area Ratios
The Sanctioned Population Per Police Person (PPP) in the country is 511.81, while the Sanctioned Police Population Ratio (PPR), which represents the number of police personnel per one lakh population, stands at 195.39. This marks a decline from 198 in 2018, falling short of the UN-mandated police-population ratio of over 220. Furthermore, the Sanctioned Police Area Ratio (PAR) per 100 sq km is 79.80.
About the Bureau of Police Research and Development
Established in 1970 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the BPRD replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council of 1966 with the primary goal of modernizing the police force. In 1995, the government entrusted the BPRD with Correctional Administration Work and prison reforms. Subsequently, a National Police Mission was created under BPRD’s administrative control to transform police forces countrywide. The BPRD marked its 50th foundation day in August 2020 and has been publishing data on police organizations since 1986.
