Tamil Nadu increases police station contingency funds to curb corruption

The Tamil Nadu government has significantly increased monthly contingency fund allocations for police stations across the state to cover routine operational expenses and reduce corrupt practices. The Home Department sanctioned an additional annual recurring expenditure of Rs 71.01 crore to support 1,917 stations.

Under the new government order, monthly allocations for light police stations, including all-women and traffic stations, will rise from Rs 3,750 to Rs 30,000. Medium stations will see an increase from Rs 6,000 to Rs 40,000, while heavy stations, including Metro-1 and Metro-2, will move from Rs 8,250 to Rs 50,000.

The measure follows an announcement by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay during the 2026-27 Police Demand for Grants assembly debate. Previously, insufficient funds forced some stations to rely on complainants or the public to meet basic costs such as stationery, cleaning, and even food for detainees. The government has requested the Director General of Police to submit a separate proposal regarding monthly grants for 11 categories of special units with police station powers.