All About CAPF: Central Armed Police Forces

Central Armed Police Forces came into being under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011 after an official circular was issued by the Indian government adopting a standard nomenclature for these paramilitary forces. There are seven central armed police forces, each with a separate function and led by an IPS officer, except for the Assam Rifles (AR), which is headed by an Army officer of the rank of Lieutenant General. Other six forces are Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) play a crucial role in India's security, countering terrorism and insurgency. They ensure border security, prevent criminal activities, and protect vulnerable individuals. However, issues with CAPFs include demoralized officers, lack of advancement opportunities, and a significant pay and benefits gap. The modernization plans for CAPFs are insufficient, and many employees experience mental health problems. The lack of a reliable internal grievance procedure and inadequate working conditions for border patrol agents further exacerbate these issues.

The security forces in India are classified into Indian Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces of India, and Central Armed Police Forces. Special Forces within each security force are also present. The Ministry of Defence manages most external security threats, while the Ministry of Home Affairs handles internal security challenges in border areas.

To streamline the command, initially 5 BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB and later all 7 forces were included in the nomenclature CAPF. Earlier they were called paramilitary forces or central forces. This change was brought as some nations associate the term "paramilitary" with violent organizations. The name change was undertaken for political purposes in an effort to improve the force's reputation abroad.

An army-like organization, a paramilitary force can carry out both military and civilian duties. Both internal and border security are significantly aided by the Central Armed Police forces, sometimes known as paramilitary forces. Their duty is to protect the interests of the country, mostly against internal threats. There are also border guarding forces designated for each border of the nation.

The Security Forces in the CAPF are as follows:

1. Assam Rifles
2. Border Security Force (BSF)
3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
4. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
5. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBF)
6. National Security Guard (NSG)
7. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

• In 1835, the Assam Rifles were founded.
• This unit manages border security and counterinsurgency activities, and it is vital to North East India.
• Since 2002, they have also been manning the 1,643-kilometer Indo-Myanmar border.
• It is the only paramilitary organization with two levels of command. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has administrative jurisdiction over the Assam Rifles, while the Ministry of Defence has operational control.
• The terms "Friends of the Hill People," "Friends of the North East People," and "Sentinels of the North East" are frequently used to refer to it.
• A Lieutenant General-level Army officer serves as its commander.
• It continues to be the most honored paramilitary group, both before and after India's independence. Since then, it has been awarded with 188 Sena Medals as well as 120 Shaurya Chakras, 31 Kirti Chakras, five Vir Chakras, and four Ashok Chakras.

• Appropriately named "India's First Line of Defence," the BSF guards the nation's borders.
• After the 1965 Indo-Pakistan conflict, this Union Government Agency was established, with the Ministry of Home Affairs serving as its administrative head. It was founded on December 1st, 1965.
• Under the direction of an Indian Police Service officer, it maintains the safety of India's borders.
• In order to free up Indian Army personnel for offensive operations, it also plays a defensive role during conflict.
• Recently, the BSF has also been assigned to support counter-insurgency operations carried out by the army and CRPF.
• Shri Nitin Agarwal, IPS, is the BSF's current director general as of 2023.

• The "Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968," a parliamentary act, formed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969.
• Presently, it offers security protection to nuclear power plants, space stations, airports, seaports, government buildings that are sensitive, historical sites, and sizable special economic zones.
• Additionally, the CISF is in charge of protecting those who fall under the Z Plus, Z, X, and Y classifications.
• The CISF is the only force with a fire wing that is specifically made for it.

1. The CRPF Act, which was passed in 1949, created the Central Reserve Police Force.
2. It was first established in 1939 as the Crown Representative's Police to provide internal security.
3. Counterinsurgency operations are the Central Reserve Police Force's main goal.
4. Additionally, it supports law enforcement efforts of the State and Union Territories to uphold public order.
5. In addition, the force takes part in UN peacekeeping operations as a police force.
6. To confront Maoist militants, the CRPF has a special action force called the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA).

• The Sino-Indian war of 1962 led to the establishment of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police on October 24, 1962.
• The CRPF Act was used to form it.
• It keeps an eye on the northern frontiers and protects the hilly sections of the India-China border as well as the boundary between Tibet and India.
• In Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, ITBP took the position of the Assam Rifles in 2004. The ITBP guards the following state's border between India and China (from Jammu & Kashmir's Karakoram Pass to Arunachal Pradesh's Jechac La):
  • Jammu & Kashmir
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Sikkim
  • Arunachal Pradesh
• The unit also monitors transnational smuggling and illicit immigration.
• It has been used in UN peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Sudan, Western Sahara, Haiti, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• In March 1963, the Sashastra Seema Bal was established.
• The boundaries between India and Bhutan are guarded by them.
• They serve as vote booth security during elections as well.
• Fifteen states are included in its service region.
• Formerly known as the Special Service Bureau, their role was curbing anti-national actions and fostering a sense of national identity among the border people. It also takes action against other illicit operations, such as smuggling.

• Ensure the safety of India's borders and foster a sense of security among those who reside there.
• Stop any unlawful activity, including smuggling, trans-border crimes, and unauthorized entrance or exit from India's territory.
• Secure sensitive installations and individuals that pose a security risk.
• In the event that there is a disturbance, maintain and restore order in that area.
• Additional responsibilities include disaster management, UN peacekeeping operations, counterinsurgency operations, anti-naxal operations, internal security duties, VIP protection, lead intelligence agency, and security for diplomatic missions overseas.

• Working Conditions: In 2017, the Standing Committee on Home Affairs voiced concerns on the working conditions of the border guard force.
  • With little time for relaxation or sleep, the Committee noted that they were required to labor sixteen to eighteen hours a day.
  • Furthermore, the Standing Committee noted that the compensation and benefits received by CAPF troops were not commensurate with those of the Armed Forces.
• Operational problems: To fulfill their training needs and provide professional skills in specific subjects, all CAPFs have established training facilities.
  • But these training facilities really need to update their training programs and infrastructure.
• Obstacles to Modernization: The MHA has been working to supply the CAPFs with vehicles, ammunition, and modern weapons. In this context, the Cabinet Committee on Security adopted the Modernization Plan-II, which was valid for the years 2012–17.
  • The Plan intended to give CAPFs financial assistance for modernization in the areas of gear, apparel, and weapons.
  • The Plan's procurement procedure, according to the Estimates Committee, was difficult and time-consuming.
• Responsibilities Placed on States: States heavily rely on the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), even for routine law and order situations.
  • In addition to reducing these troops' training requirements, this has an impact on anti-insurgency and border guard operations.
• Concern Regarding Cadre Management: Every one of the seven has a cadre of officers of its own, but these officers report to Indian Police Service officials.
  • This affects the efficacy of the troops and has a demoralizing effect on the CAPF officers.
  • Furthermore, the absence of cadre review and advancement stagnation caused discontent among CAPFs.

• Modernizing the CAPFs: MHA should ensure that procurement bottlenecks have been identified and addressed with appropriate measures.
  • To guarantee an uninterrupted supply of machinery and other infrastructure, the government should also negotiate with manufacturers and ordnance factories in the public or private sectors.
  • Training requirements should be considered before buying the newest equipment and, if necessary, ought to be included in the purchase agreement itself.
  • Furthermore, given the development of hybrid warfare, training materials have to cover both traditional topics and cutting-edge technology like cyber security and ICT.
• Increasing States' Capacity: States must create their own policies and increase the number of police officers by giving them the necessary tools and training.
  • By giving states the financial support and other assistance they require to strengthen the capabilities of their armed forces, the federal government should support state governments in their endeavors.
• Corrective Actions in Cadre Policy: Pointing out the shortcomings in Cadre policy, the Joshi Committee suggested that senior officials should be appointed from among the relevant CAPF cadre.
  • The Committee also suggested that a set timeframe be followed for the cadre review of each CAPF.
  • It is imperative that these suggestions be put into practice as quickly as possible.
• Reforms for the Personnel: Regular stress management workshops should be held, and yoga and meditation should be included in the daily workout regimen for CAPF staff.
  • In addition, it may be investigated to see whether housing can be provided close to the force's deployment location so that personnel may visit their families.

Members of CAPF offer an appearance of government administration even in the most remote areas of the country. Their extensive experience can be advantageous to the nation. However, it's critical to deal with the fundamental issues preventing CAPFs from performing as planned.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been approved for the continuation of the "Modernization Plan-III for CAPFs" concept, with the CAPF Modernization Plan-IV set to run from 2022 to 2026. The plan, costing Rs. 1,523 crores, will equip CAPFs with advanced weaponry and IT solutions, ensuring they can effectively address issues on the international border, LoC, and LAC, as well as in areas affected by left-wing extremism, the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and North Eastern States.

The Ayushman CAPF program aims to provide cashless health services to CAPF troops and their dependents across India. Initially limited to Assam, the program is now valid across all seven forces. The National Health Authority and the Ministry of Home Affairs collaborated to create the program. The paperless service will replace the manual procedure of claiming healthcare benefits on MHA's IT platform.

India is becoming a global production hub under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with CAPF personnel playing a crucial role in ensuring internal security. Over 35,000 police personnel have lost their lives since Independence, but citizens now sleep in peace. The government believes it is its responsibility to care for the families of Jawans who protect the nation's borders. The CAPF e-Awas portal has been launched to increase the Housing Satisfaction Ratio by 13% without construction of new buildings. With over 31,000 houses constructed in the last eight years, the Housing Satisfaction Ratio is expected to reach 73% by November 2024.