To protect VIPs, Delhi Police spend Rs 1.98 crore daily: RTI

Neeraj Mohan

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New Delhi, July 21

The cost of safeguarding high-profile individuals in the Capital has reached astronomical levels, with the Delhi Police spending Rs 1.98 crore daily or Rs 8.25 lakh per hour on the security of 518 VIPs.

According to a recent disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by the Delhi Police, the total expenditure on the salaries of personnel assigned to protect Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs), VIPs, ministers, officers and dignitaries has surged to Rs 723.83 crore for 2023-24, up from Rs 544.98 crore in 2018-19, witnessing 32.81 per cent increase.

The detailed figures revealed in response to an RTI query by Sangrur-based activist advocate Kamal Anand shows that the daily security operations involve a substantial deployment of resources. A total of 6,970 police personnel, ranging from joint commissioners to constables, are currently engaged in the security of these prominent figures.

The breakdown includes two joint commissioners, three additional commissioners, four deputy commissioners, 36 assistant commissioners, 134 inspectors, 661 sub-inspectors, 433 assistant sub-inspectors, 2,498 head constables and 3,177 constables.

Interestingly, despite the decrease in the number of officers assigned to VIP security — from 3,054 in March 2023 to 2,997 in March 2024 — the financial outlay has continued to rise. The report indicates that the total salary expenditure for these security roles was Rs 375.05 crore, with an additional Rs 348 crore allocated for ration money and other allowances. Notably, since the 2022-23 fiscal year, what was previously categorised as ration money has been reclassified as allowances in 2023-24.

The increase in expenditure comes despite a minor fluctuation in the number of protectees. As of March 31, 2024, there were 518 protectees, a slight decrease from 522 in 2023 but an increase from 477 in 2022 and 490 in 2021.

This substantial allocation of funds and personnel underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing security demands with fiscal responsibility in one of the world’s most populous cities. As the Delhi Police continues to manage its extensive security commitments, the rising costs and evolving staffing dynamics highlight the complex nature of maintaining high-level protection amidst fluctuating demands and budgetary constraints.

The audit report reveals that in April 2019, the sanctioned strength of Delhi Police was 8,96,704, against which the actual strength was 79,621, thus around 11 per cent of the total sanctioned posts were vacant. Anand highlighted an intriguing disparity within the Delhi Police’s staffing levels.

As of March 31, 2024, the sanctioned strength for the Delhi Police was 94,249, but the actual strength stood at only 83,516, leaving a shortfall of 10,733 personnel. This shortage compromises the security and safety of ordinary citizens. In stark contrast, the VIP security wing had a sanctioned strength of 6,783 but an actual strength of 6,960, exceeding the sanctioned number by 177 personnel. This discrepancy emphasises the prioritisation of VIP security over the general populace, he added.

Cost soars to Rs 723.83 cr in 2023-24

An RTI reply shows a total expenditure on the salaries of personnel assigned to protect VVIPs, VIPs, ministers, officers and dignitaries has surged to Rs 723.83 crore for 2023-24, up from Rs 544.98 crore in 2018-19