Public Expenditure on Police Services in Different States of India (2000–2012)

Public expenditure bears the responsibility for sustained economic development. Internal disturbances and high crime rates prove detrimental to the economic health of a nation. In the present times, the nations facing such problems are incurring huge public expenditure on maintaining defence and internal security. The present study is an attempt to examine and compare the actual police strength, total police expenditure and unit cost of per policeman (per annum) in different states in India during a time period of 13 years (i.e. from 2000 to 2012). The average annual cost per policeman at constant prices in India is Rs. 156,993, which experienced Average Annual Compound Growth Rate (A.A.C.G.R.) of 2.09%. Among the states Nagaland had an exceptionally high average annual cost per policeman at constant prices to the extent of Rs. 287,657, at A.A.C.G.R. of 9.86% (highest among all states), during the period of analysis. In the end some observations, suggestion and policy implications have been incorporated.