The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to bolster the operational capabilities of the Mumbai Police mounted police unit. In an official government resolution issued on September 4, 2026, the Home Department gave its formal approval to create 70 new equestrian athlete posts specifically for the unit.
Restructuring Existing Positions
Under this administrative decision, the total sanctioned strength of the police department will not see any net increase. According to the guidelines, the 70 posts currently active under the establishment of the Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai, will be surrendered back to the government. In their place, 70 new posts within the equestrian athlete cadre will be established under the exact same pay scale.
Origin of the Proposal
The administrative shift follows a formal proposal submitted by the office of the Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai. The proposal specifically requested the surrender of existing operational positions within the mounted police unit to substitute them with dedicated posts for trained riders and athletes.
High-Level Committee Approval
The proposal underwent review during a high-level committee meeting held on July 6, 2026, which was chaired by the Chief Secretary. Following the green light from this committee, the Home Department proceeded with the formal issuance of the government resolution.
Strict Limits on Funds and Staffing
Alongside the approvals, the government has mandated the formulation of separate service entry rules exclusively for the mounted police unit. It has also been explicitly clarified that no additional posts beyond the 70 outlined in the appendix will be created, and no extra financial grants or funds will be allocated for the unit's expansion.
Furthermore, the resolution addresses the daily maintenance and care of the horses. All requirements regarding the health, diet, and stable management of the animals must be managed strictly through the resources that are already available to the department.
Boosting Operational Efficiency
This policy decision paves the way for direct appointments of skilled equestrian athletes into the Mumbai Police mounted unit. Observers believe this specialized restructuring will considerably enhance the unit's efficiency, discipline, and daily operational performance in the field.
