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Source: The post issues with CAPFs has been created, based on the article “Don’t neglect the central armed police forces” published in “Indian express” on 4th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Internal Security – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
News: The article discusses the issues facing India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as leadership selection, training neglect, and over-deployment. It emphasizes the need for better planning and policies to improve their discipline, morale, and combat effectiveness.
About central armed police forces (CAPFs)
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in India are seven security forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. They used to be called “Central Para-Military Forces” but changed their name in 2011.
The seven are Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police, National Security Guard, and Sashastra Seema Bal.
Each has its own cadre of officers but led by Indian Police Service officers.
Battalion Strength: Notable numbers include CRPF with 246 battalions, BSF with 193, ITBP with 56, and SSB with 73.
For more information on CAPFs read here
What are the key issues with CAPFs?
Leadership Adhocism: Selection processes for leaders are often ad-hoc, leading to unqualified appointments and widespread resentment. For example, officers without CAPF experience have been appointed to lead forces.
Delayed Leadership Appointments: Key positions like the director general (DG) of BSF remained vacant for five months after the retirement of VK Johri in 2020, indicating a lack of timely decision-making and planning.
What is the impact of these issues?
Decreased Morale: Leadership issues and adhocism lead to a loss of respect and loyalty among personnel, crucial for effective operations.
Professional Standards Decline: Constant deployment and training neglect have resulted in falling professional levels, comparable to state battalions from decades ago.
Ineffective Leadership: Officers unfamiliar with CAPF realities, like senior IB officers appointed as directors general, struggle to command and address force-specific challenges.
Operational Delays: Vacancies in leadership, such as the DG of BSF and SSB, leave units directionless, hindering responsiveness and strategic planning.
Overall Security Risk: These compounded issues threaten the integrity and efficiency of India’s internal security apparatus, potentially weakening the country’s response to internal and border security threats.
What should be done?
Structured Leadership Criteria: Implement clear guidelines for leadership roles, requiring field experience in CAPFs or equivalent positions for eligibility.
Timely Appointments: Plan and execute succession for leadership positions without delays, akin to the imperative continuity seen in military leadership.
Dedicated Training Units: Ensure each battalion has a company exclusively for training to uphold and improve combat readiness and professional standards.
Commission for CAPF Reform: Establish a commission dedicated to addressing the myriad problems within CAPFs, offering both short-term fixes and long-term strategies.
Better Career Planning: Avoid using CAPFs as a dumping ground for officers from other services and ensure that leaders are chosen for their aptitude and experience with CAPF challenges.
Question for practice:
Examine the key issues facing India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their impact on the security apparatus.
