BS EDIT: India’s policing crisis: A threat to safety & business growth

By Business StandardPublished On Mar 17, 2025

India’s weak police-to-population ratio

154.84 police per 100,000 people, far below the UN’s 222

US & EU have 351 and 344, respectively

Weak policing fails citizens & businesses

21% of police posts are vacant

10 states have over 25% vacancies

West Bengal (39.42%), Mizoram (35.06%), Haryana (32%) lead

UP (29%) & Bihar (26%) also struggle

Poor policing delays justice

Court backlogs grow, crime prevention weakens

Vulnerable groups suffer most

Public safety at risk

Business & economy suffer

SMEs struggle with security risks

60% of jobs & 46% of exports come from SMEs

Big corporations afford security, SMEs cannot

More policing = More women in the workforce

Lack of security raises hiring costs for women

Safer workplaces boost participation

Stronger policing aids economic growth

Governance, not summits, attract investment

Investor summits won’t fix weak law & order

Strong policing naturally draws businesses

States must prioritise police reform