LUCKNOW, Feb. 12 -- Continuing its strong emphasis on law and order, the UP government has allocated Rs.44,145.77 crore to the home department in its budget for 2026-27 - an increase of Rs.3,277 crore over the previous year's Rs.40,868 crore. Within this outlay, more than Rs.3,378 crore has been earmarked for strengthening police and fire services infrastructure, underlining the administration's sustained focus on security and enforcement as the state moves towards the 2027 assembly elections. Since assuming office in March 2017, the government has projected improved law and order as a key pillar of its governance model. Official data indicates that 271 criminals have been killed in police encounters during this period. The latest budget allocations, officials say, are intended to consolidate infrastructure expansion, modernisation and improved personnel welfare. A total Rs.1,374 crore has been allocated for the construction of non-residential police buildings, including police stations and departmental offices while Rs.1,243 crore has been earmarked for residential accommodation for police personnel. A sum of Rs.346 crore has been set aside for residential and non-residential police infrastructure in newly created districts. Under Mission Shakti, Rs.25 crore has been provided for procuring vehicles for women beat personnel. The fire services department has also received a significant boost with Rs.200 crore being allocated for the construction of residential and non-residential fire stations. A sum of Rs.190 crore has been earmarked to strengthen firefighting systems in multi-storey buildings and to operationalise newly constructed centres....