Tested but tired, this force could be in distress

Source– The post is based on the article “Tested but tired, this force could be in distress” published in “The Hindu” on 16th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Various security forces

Relevance– Issues faced by paramilitary forces

News– On Pulwama day, former personnel of CRPF and their families turned up in large numbers in different parts of the country. They demand the old pension scheme to serving members of the fraternity.

The old pension scheme was stopped for personnel joining service after December 31, 2003.

Why is there an increasing burden on paramilitary forces?

The internal security situation has not improved significantly in left-wing extremism areas and terrorism-affected Kashmir. The deinduction of the Indian Army has taken place. The void was filled mainly by the CRPF.

The huge and continuous deployment of the regular army creates adverse attention from the international press.

What are the challenges faced by paramilitary forces?

The central government has been compelled to entrust a number of assignments. It is becoming riskier to these forces, especially to the CRPF.

Personnel of these forces are tasked with carrying out hard duties. Their schedule is overstretched without any rest or respite. As a consequence, training becomes compromised. It is reflected in their operational capabilities. This makes them vulnerable to attacks by anti-national forces.

There have been higher casualty rates suffered by the paramilitary.

These forces can maintain the optimum level of performance needed only if the training and the morale of their personnel are taken care of.

The government does not provide them benefits enjoyed by the army. They don’t enjoy pension benefits, and service facilities such as the Canteen Stores Department.