CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)
India has five federal-level armed police organizations that constitute the CAPFs under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). They are the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The CRPF and the BSF are the two biggest ones among them.
Their role is to defend the national interest mainly against internal threats.
India’s CAPFs are not intended to be paramilitary in nature. They work under the MHA, as opposed to the Ministry of Defense. Their order is to help the state police associations under exceptional conditions like communal riots, insurgency, and border skirmishes.
IPS members head these organizations rather than army commanders. The officers at the junior and middle ranks (up to battalion commandant) are transcendentally direct recruits who form the bulk of the unit-level leadership in the officer cadre.
The senior-most ranks have officers seconded from the IPS on a temporary basis, with very few from the original ‘CAPF’ pool making it to the top. The IPS officers who come on deputation stay in these organizations for a maximum of five years – two to three of which are spent in individual field postings.
Central Armed Police Forces are coordinated with the essential job of boundary protecting for BSF, ITBP, SSB; Security of delicate foundations by CISF, Assisting Police to handle Law and Order, Counter-Terrorist Operations, Counter Naxal Operations by CRPF, NSG. Aside from the essential jobs, all CAPFs are associated with helping Police in Law and Order circumstances and furthermore Army in Counter-Terrorist Operations. BSF and CRPF have helped the military during external hostility before. CAPFs work alongside both Army and Police in various jobs appointed to them.
Focal Armed Police Forces staff additionally serve in different significant associations such as Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Special Protection Group (SPG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) State Armed Police Force (Jharkhand Jaguars, Bihar Military Police, UP/MP STF, DRG, IRB, Chhattisgarh Armed Police, etc.)
CAPF, on deputation, has training in various levels/formations/courses along with the Indian Army. Their role and performance, therefore, assume a great significance due to the special features of an emergency force which is pressed in aid to the civil power to perform multiple roles in extremely difficult situations.
The Union Home Ministry has fixed the retirement age of all Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel at 60 years.
Major Functions of CAPFs
To safeguard the security of the borders of India and promote a sense of security among the people living in border areas.
Prevent trans-border crimes, smuggling, and unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India and prevent any other illegal activity.
Provide security to sensitive installations, persons at a security risk.
Restore and preserve order in any area in the event of disturbance therein.
Eligibility for Recruitment of CAPFs
Age
- The applicant must be older than 20 years and younger than 25 years, in order to fulfill the CAPF Assistant Commandant Eligibility criteria. It must be noted that the upper age limit can be relaxed for certain candidates, depending on the category they belong to. The details are summarized below in the table.
Category | Upper age limit relaxation |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | Maximum of 5 years |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Maximum of 5 years |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Maximum of 5 years |
Civilian Central Government Servants | Maximum of 5 years |
Ex-Servicemen | Maximum of 5 years |
Those domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir during the period from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989 | Maximum of 5 years |
Education
There are certain educational qualifications that the applicants must possess to be eligible for CAPF. Those who do not meet the criteria are advised to refrain from applying.
- As part of UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a government-recognized university. The University should be incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India.
- Other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 are also acceptable.
- Those candidates, who have appeared in the qualifying examination and have yet not got their results, can also apply for CAPF Exam. But, it must be kept in mind that the admission would be provisional until the candidate produces proof of passing the examination after qualifying the entrance test of CAPF.
| Aspect | Men | Women |
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | 81 cm (with 5 cm minimum expansion) | Not applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
- Those candidates who possess professional and technical qualifications recognized by Government as equivalent to the professional and technical degree would also be considered eligible to apply for CAPF.
- There may be some exceptions in which UPSC may treat a candidate who doesn’t have any of the above-mentioned qualifications as a qualified candidate, given that they have passed an examination conducted by the other Institutions, whose standard justifies their eligibility.
Citizenship
The candidate must be an Indian citizen to be eligible for UPSC CAPF. Other than Indian citizens, the candidates who satisfy the following citizenship criteria can apply for the exam:
- Those who hold citizenship of Nepal and Bhutan are also deemed eligible for this exam.
- Applicants who belong to other nationalities will not be appointed or employed in the Armed Police Forces unless they have been granted the consent of the Central Government in written term
Physical Standards
- The minimum requirements that the candidate must meet vary according to gender and are as follows:
Medical Standards:-
1. EyeSight
Better Eye (Corrected Vision)
Worse Eye (Corrected Vision)
Distant Vision
6/6
6/12
Distant Vision
6/9
6/9
Near Vision
N6
N9
Limits of Refractive errors permitted
-4.00 D (including cylinder) Myopia +4.00 D (including cylinder) Hypermetropia
It must be noted that if an applicant has undergone LASIK surgery correction, then it must have been according to prescribed criteria as mentioned below:
- Age – 18 to 35 years
- Axial-length – 21 to 26 mm.
- Corneal-thickness 425 micron
- Pre-LASIK error – 6 D
- Post-operative – Should be a stable period refractive flap
- Interval – 06 months (post-operative period mandatory
NOTE: Candidate must have completed 06 months after LASIK surgery while considering for recruitment in CAPFs.
2. Carrying Angle
- The Carrying angle should not be more than 15˚ for male applicants and 20˚ for female applicants.
3. Hearing Power
- No degree of deafness or persistent ear discharge should be present.
- Any other condition (congenital or acquired) such as atresia of the meatus, exostosis, neoplasm which may obstruct ear passage should not be present.
- Any history of recurrent earache, tinnitus, and vertigo should not be present.
4. Nose
- Applicants should not have DNS, atrophic rhinitis, tubercular ulceration, or chronic sinusitis.
5. Neck
- The candidate should not have enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid, or other swellings of the neck.
- An inability to extend the neck fully or any evidence of disease of the spine or cervical vertebrae must not be present.
6. Teeth
- The candidate must possess a sufficient number of sound teeth for efficient mastication.
- The candidate should not have severe pyorrhea.
7. Venereal Disease
- The candidate should not have active signs of clinical VD.
8. Chronic Skin Diseases
- The candidate should not have chronic skin diseases like Leprosy, chronic dermatitis, extensive Pityriasis Versicolor, psoriasis, and SLE.
General Standards:-
- No stammering while speaking
- No indication of chronic diseases like TB, any type of arthritis, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Bronchial Asthma, and heart disease.
- No perceptible and visible glandular swelling anywhere in the body.
- The chest should be well-formed, devoid of any abnormality like flat chest, Pigeon chest, with rickety rosary defects.
- Heart and lungs should be sound.
- Limbs, hands, and feet should be well-formed and fully developed.
- The perfect motion of all joints should be seen.
- Should not have any old fracture of bones.
- Should not have congenital malformation or defects.
- Should not bear traces of previous acute or chronic disease pointing to an impaired constitution.
- Should have no disease of the genital urinary tract.
- No inguinal, scrotal swelling, or any type of Hernia.
- Both the testicles are in the scrotum and of normal size.
- No knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins.
- Good mental and bodily health
- Should not suffer from TACHYCARDIA (more than 100 pulse rate per minute) or BRADYCARDIA (Less than 50 per minute).
- Should not suffer from Hernia, hemorrhoids, condylomas prolapse rectum.
It may so happen that a candidate has been selected on the basis of an earlier entrance exam for CAPF. Then, such a candidate will not be eligible to appear at a subsequent examination for the same post in the Central Armed Police Forces.
All candidates who are employed in Government Service, whether in permanent or in temporary capacity or as work charged employees other than casual or daily rated employees or those serving under Public Enterprises must note that they will be required to submit an undertaking. This undertaking must state that they have informed in writing to their Head of Office / Department that they have applied for the examination.
In case it is informed by their employer that they withhold permission from the candidates applying for the examination, their application will be liable to be rejected. The decision of UPSC regarding the acceptance of the application and eligibility of the candidate will be final.
Exam Pattern Of The CAPF
- The UPSC CAPF exam is a three-stage exam having only one written exam. As per the UPSC CAPF exam pattern, the CAPF exam is conducted in three phases. These include the following:
- Written Examination
- Physical Standards / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Test
- Interview/Personality Test
1. Exam Pattern
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern Phase I – 450 Marks Of The CAPF (Written Exam)
- Stage I is the written examination. The written exam consists of two papers-
| Paper Name | Marks | Time Duration | Type |
| Paper-I – General and Mental Ability | 250 marks | 2 hours | Objective Type |
| Paper-II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | 200 marks | 3 Hours | Descriptive (Essay-type) |
| Total | 450 marks |
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2. Physical Standards/physical Efficiency Tests And Medical Standards Tests
- The Physical Efficiency and Medical Standard test are qualifying in nature. The candidates are required to meet the physical and medical standards prescribed in the CAPF notification. After passing this first phase of the written exam, the candidates need to undergo the Physical Efficiency and Medical Standard Test.
- Physical Efficiency Tests (PET).
| Event | Males | Females |
| 100 Meters race | In 16 Seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 chances) | 3.0 meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs) | 4.5 Meters | – |
- It is important to note that pregnant women candidates at the time of PET are disqualified and their applications are rejected.
3. Interview/personality Test - 150 Marks
- The candidates declared passed in the second stage of the CAPF exam are called for the interview/personality test. The interview/ personality test is conducted on the UPSC premises in New Delhi. After the interview/personality test, the final result is declared.
BSF
- The Border Security Force has its Headquarters at New Delhi and is known as Force Headquarters (FHQ) headed by a Director General. Various Directorates like Operations, Communications & IT, Training, Engineering, General, Law, Provisioning, Administration, Personnel, Armaments, Medical, and Finance, etc. function under the DG. Each Directorate is headed by an IG.
History
The State Armed Police Battalion guarded India’s border with Pakistan until 1965. Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet, and Beria Bet in Kutch on April 9, 1965.
As a result of the State Armed Police’s inability to deal with armed aggression, the Indian government saw the need for a specialized, centrally controlled Border Security Force that would be armed and trained to guard the International Border with Pakistan. The Border Security Force was established on December 1, 1965, as a result of the Committee of Secretaries’ recommendations, with Shri K F Rustamji as its first chief and founding father.
The BSF’s capabilities were employed against Pakistani forces in places where the Regular Forces were sparsely scattered during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971; BSF personnel participated in various operations, including the historic Battle of Longewala. In fact, the war on the eastern front had begun for the BSF long before the war broke out in December 1971. Before the actual battles began, the BSF had trained, backed, and been a part of MuktiBahini and had penetrated erstwhile East Pakistan. BSF played a critical part in Bangladesh’s liberation, as Indira Gandhi and Sheikh MujiburRehman both acknowledged.
Initially, in 1965, BSF was raised with 25 Bns and with the passage of time, was expanded as per the requirement of the nation to fight against militancy in Punjab, J&K, Northeast region, etc.
At present BSF is holding 192 (including 03 NDRF) Bns and 07 BSF Arty Regiments guarding International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. In addition, BSF is also performing an Anti-Infiltration role in Kashmir Valley, Counter-Insurgency in North East region, Anti Naxal Operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh states, and security of Integrated Check Posts along with Pakistan and Bangladesh International Border.
Role Of The BSF
- SECURITY OF BORDER OF India and matters connected therewith.
Tasks Of The BSF
Peacetime:
Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
Prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.
War Time:
Holding ground in less threatened sectors so long as the main attack does not develop in a particular sector and it is felt that the local situation is within the capability of BSF to deal with. The BSF units can continue to remain deployed in a particular sector even in a war situation to release the Army for offensive tasks. In the event of a major attack developing, which is not within the capacity of the BSF to deal with, the Army can be expected either to reinforce the BSF with Artillery or other support, or relieve the BSF from its role in the particular sector.
Protection of vital installations particularly air-fields against enemy commandoes/paratroopers or raids. The role can be entrusted to the BSF Units which are placed under the Army’s operational control.
Providing extension to the flanks of the main defense line by the holding of strong points in conjunction with other units.
Limited Aggressive action against paramilitary or irregular forces of the enemy within the overall plan of the Armed Forces.
Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including raids. These are tasks that might be entrusted to BSF Units by the Army in a war situation according to local necessity. It would, however, be expected that the state of training and equipment of the particular BSF Units would be kept in view in assessing their adequacy for the tasks.
Acting as guides in an area of responsibility where routes are known. This is a task which the BSF should be able to perform.
Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administrated under the control of the Army. Normally, an ordinary civil police force would be utilized for this task but the BSF could be used to supplement the civil police or to act in lieu thereof in a situation where civil police is not readily available.
Provision of escorts.
Guarding of prisoners of war cages.
Assistance in control of refugees. It is the intention to utilize the civil police force and armed Home Guards etc. for these tasks but again depending upon local exigencies, the BSF might be entrusted with these tasks.
Anti – infiltration duties in the specified area. This is an important responsibility that will have to be performed by security forces. The exact responsibility of the BSF in this matter is still under consideration and separate instructions are expected to be issued.
Special Detachments
Creek Crocodile:-
The Creek Crocodile is the BSF’s specialized commando unit. The primary goal of this unit is to serve as a quick reaction force, preventing smuggling and infiltration by undesirable elements. The unit is specifically stationed at the Gujarat Indus River Estuaries and Sir Creek. It was established in 2009. This unit’s headquarters are at the BSF outpost of Koteshwar. It currently has a strength of 42.
Camel Contingent:-
BSF Camel Contingent Camel Contingent is a battalion-sized Camelry unit with origins in the Bikaner Camel Corps. The primary mission of this unit is to patrol the desert section of the Pakistani border. This unit has a cavalry strength of 1200 camels and 800 riders. Both camels, as well as riders, are trained at Camel Training Centre located at BSF Frontier Headquarters in Jodhpur. With force modernization pacing up, BSF has equipped its formation across the western border with All-Terrain Vehicles and other specialized apparatus.
CISF
ClSF is an armed force of the Union established under an Act of Parliament, “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 (50 of 1968)”.
In the year 1969 the strength of the force established with the help of 3129 personnel, was increased to 1,633,613 as of 01.06.2021.
CISF has 12 reserve battalions, 08 training institutes, and 63 other formations.
According to the mandate. ClSF provides security to the premises staff along with the security of property and establishments.
ClSF is providing security to the strategic establishment including the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy. the Airports, the Delhi Metro, the ports, the historical monuments, and the basic areas of the Indian economy such as petroleum and natural gas, electricity, coal, steel, and mining.
ClSF is providing protection to some private sector units and important government buildings in Delhi.
Presently CISF is also providing security to the protected persons classified as Z Plus, Z, X, Y.
CISF is the only force with a customized and dedicated fire Wing. CISF is a compensatory cost force.
The Central Industrial Security Force came into existence in 1969, following a major fire incident in HEC, Ranchi. Over the last 50 years, the force has seen many ups and downs, given the unique mandate with which the force came into existence i.e. to give protection and security to the employees and the Property of the Public Sector Undertakings. In keeping with changing demands of the dynamic nature of security, the force has evolved, reoriented, and updated the nature of professional services rendered and metamorphosed from being an industrial security force into a multi-talented, mum-tasking, and multi-faceted force, ready to face newer challenges in the future.
The Group-ll was constituted by the FHQrs for laying down a policy on:
- Vision
- Mission
- Motto
- Ethos
- Ethics
- Values
CRPF
- The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the premier central police force of the Union of India for internal security. Originally constituted as the Crown Representative Police in 1939, it is one of the oldest Central para military forces (now termed as Central Armed Police Force).
History
CRPF was raised as a sequel to the political unrest and the agitations in the then princely States of India following the Madras Resolution of the All-India Congress Committee in 1936 and the ever-growing desire of the Crown Representative to help the vast majority of the native States to preserve law and order as a part of the imperial policy
Central Reserve Police Force by an Act of Parliament after Independence, the force was renamed as Central Reserve Police Force by an Act of Parliament on December 28, 1949. This Act constituted CRPF as an armed force of the Union. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, visualized a multi-dimensional role for it in tune with the changing needs of a newly independent nation. The CRPF Rules as envisaged in CRPF Act were framed in 1955 and published in the Gazette of India dated March 25, 1955. Shri V.G.Kanetkar was appointed as first DG, CRPF.
During the early 1950s, the performance of the CRPF detachments in Bhuj, the then Patiala and East Punjab state Union (PEPSU), and Chambal ravines was appreciated by all quarters. The force played a significant role during the amalgamation of the princely states into the Indian Union. It helped the Union Government in disciplining the rebellious princely States of Junagarh and the small principality of Kathiawar in Gujarat which had declined to join the Indian Union.
- Soon after Independence, contingents of the CRPF were sent on Kutch, Rajasthan, and Sindh borders to check infiltration and trans-border crimes. They were, subsequently, deployed on the Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir following attacks launched by the Pakistani infiltrators. The CRPF bore the brunt of the first Chinese attack on India at Hot Springs (Ladakh) on October 21, 1959. A small CRPF patrol was ambushed by the Chinese in which ten of its men made their supreme sacrifice for the country. Their martyrdom on October 21 is remembered throughout the country as the Police Commemoration Day every year.
During the Chinese aggression of 1962, the Force once again assisted the Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh. Eight CRPF personnel were killed in action. In 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars also Force fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the Indian Army, both on the Western and Eastern borders.
For the first time in the history of para-military Forces in India, thirteen companies of CRPF including a detachment of women were airlifted to join the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka to fight the militant cadres. Besides, CRPF personnel were also sent to Haiti, Namibia, Somali4 Maldives, Kosovo, and Liberia to deal with the law and order situation there, as a part of other UN Peace Keeping Force.
In the late seventies, when the extremist elements disturbed the peace in Tripura and Manipur, CRPF battalions were deployed in strength. Simultaneously, there was turmoil in the Brahmaputra Valley. The CRPF had to be inducted in strength not only to maintain law and order but also to keep lines of communication free from disruption. The commitments of the Force continue to be very high in the North East in dealing with the insurgency.
CRPF is the largest CAPF having 01 Force Hqrs, 04 Zonal Hqrs, 21 Adm Sectors, 02 Ops Sectors, 39 Adm Ranges, 17 Ops Ranges, 43 Group Centres, 22 Training Institutions, 04 Composite Hospitals (100 Bedded), 18 Composite Hospitals (50 bedded), 06 Field Hospitals 03 CWS, 07 AWS, 03 MWS and SWS, 203 GD Bns, 05 VIP Security Bns, 06 MahilaBns, 15 RAF, 10 CoBRA Bns,05 Signal Bns,01 PDG & 01 SDG.
CRPF has a national character and composition; it is known as Miniature India. Even at the section level, persons from all parts of the Country are mixed up. They are peace custodians and sentinels of India’s integrity.
CRPF is a gallant, glorious, vibrant, and resilient Force. Its past is replete with pinnacle performance and success in many fields. It is acknowledged by the public. Thus, the myth of CRPF duties conjured an image of doing dangerous duties successfully.
After the Kargil war, a high-level committee was constituted by the Govt. of India who emphasized that the multiplicity of forces on the same border has also led to a lack of accountability on the parts of the forces. To enforce accountability, the principle of ‘One Border One Force’ may be adopted while considering the deployment of Forces at the border.
Accordingly, the Indo-Pakistan border and Indo-Bangladesh border given to BSF; the Indo-Myanmar border given to Assam Rifles; the Indo-Nepal border is given to SSB; and the Indo-Chinese border given to ITBP. Each of these forces has also been designated as the lead intelligence agency for that particular border for sharing with the other paramilitary forces and the Army which may be in the hinterland and being able to co-ordinate all the operations. As a part of this exercise, it has also been decided that CRPF will be the major Force that would be dealing with counter-insurgency or internal security operations all over the country.
Role Of CRPF
The Central Reserve Police Force came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police on 27th July 1939. It became the Central Reserve Police Force on the enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949. It has completed 81 years of glorious history.
The Force has grown into a big organization with 246 Bns, (including 208 executive Bns, 6 MahilaBns, 15 RAF Bns, 10 CoBRABns, 5 Signal Bns and 1 Special Duty Group, 1 Parliament Duty Group), 43Group Centers, 20 Training Institutions, 3 CWS, 7 AWS, 3 MWS/SWS, 4 Composite Hospitals of 100 bed and 18 Composite Hospitals of 50 bed.
It is All India in character, both in deployment and in its composition. Due to its unique capability to quickly adapt to various situational requirements, and also, to work in perfect harmony with the State Police, CRPF has, over the years, acquired the distinction of being perhaps the most acceptable Force, by the people and the State administrations.
The broad gamut of duties performed by the CRPF are:-
- Crowd control
- Riot control
- Counter Militancy / Insurgency operations.
- Dealing with Left Wing Extremism
- Overall coordination of large-scale security arrangement especially with regard to elections in disturbed areas.
- Protection of VIPs and vital installations.
- Checking environmental degradation and protection of local Flora and Fauna
- Fighting aggression during Wartime
- Participating in UN Peace Keeping Mission
- Rescue and Relief operations at the time of Natural Calamities.
Besides Law and Order and counter-insurgency duties, the role of CRPF in the General Elections, held repeatedly during the past few years, has been very significant and vital. This is especially true for the trouble-torn States of J&K, Bihar, and the States of the Northeast. During the Parliamentary elections &State Assembly Election, the CRPF played a major role in the security arrangements.
One of the vital roles of the CRPF, which is not very evident, is guarding vital Central Govt. installations such as airports, Powerhouses, Bridges, DoordarshanKendras, All India Radio Stations, the residence of Governors and Chief Ministers, NationalizedBanks and other Government establishments in insurgency affected States. The CRPF is ensuring the safety of the Democratic Institutions, and preventing the takeover of civil society by the militants, in these highly disturbed areas. This contribution of the CRPF, though not very visible, is nonetheless very vital.
5% of the Force is deployed for the security of VIPs mostly in the North-Eastern States, J&K, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh which include Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, MPs, and MLA of J&K, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram. CRPF is also providing security (Static guard) at the residence/office of the Prime Minister of India, various Union Ministers, and MPs, and other dignitaries.
5% of the Force is deputed for guarding the important installations of Central and State Govts mostly in insurgency-affected areas which include Secretariats, DoordarshanKendras, Telephone exchanges, Banks, Hydroelectric projects, Jails, etc. CRPF is also deployed for the security of Parliament House.
10 Coys of CRPF are deployed for the security of three sensitive shrines i.e. Krishna JanmaBhoomi, ShahiIdgahMasjidcomplex (Mathura), Ram JanmaBhoomi- Barbi Masjid complex (Ayodhya) and Kashi Vishwanath Temple- Gyanvapi Mosque(Varanasi). 4 Coys of the Force are deputed for the security of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra, Jammu (J&K)
ITBP
Indo-Tibetan Border Police was raised on October 24, 1962, for reorganizing the frontier intelligence and security set up along the Indo-Tibetan border. Only four Battalions were sanctioned to begin with. ITBP was initially raised under the CRPF Act. However, in 1992, parliament enacted the ITBPF Act, and the rules thereunder were framed in 1994.
With additional tasks entrusted to ITBP from time to time on border guarding, counter-insurgency, and internal security roles, the number of ITBP Battalions increased gradually and ITBP presently has 56 service Battalions, 4 Specialist Battalions, 17 Training Centers, and 07 logistics establishments with a total strength of approx. 90,000 personnel.
In the year 2004, in pursuance of GoM recommendations on “One Border One Force”, the entire stretch of India-China Border comprising 3488 Kms was assigned to the ITBP for Border Guarding duty and, accordingly, ITBP, replaced Assam Rifles in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in 2004.
The motto of the Force is “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty). All ranks of ITBP are dedicated to guarding the borders with valor, determination, and devotion to duty. The Force has earned a number of decorations like Padmashree-7, Kirti Chakra-2 Shaurya Chakra-6, Sena Medal-1, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry-19, Police Medal for Gallantry-91, Parakram Padak-79, President’s Police and Fire Service Medals for Gallantry-2, Prime Minister’s Life-Saving Medal-86, Jeewan Raksha Padak-06, Sarvottam Jeewan Raksha Padak–02, Uttam Jeewan RakshaPadak – 13, Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award -12, etc. for its numerous achievements in the past.
Tasks Of ITBP
Vigil on the northern borders, detection and prevention of border violations, and promotion of the sense of security among the local populace.
Check illegal immigration, trans-border smuggling, and crimes.
Security to sensitive installations, banks, and protected persons.
Restore and preserve order in any area in the event of a disturbance.
Multifarious Facts Of The Force
Presently ITBP has been guarding the India-China border in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh state from the Karakoram pass in Jammu & Kashmir to Jechap La in Arunachal Pradesh. The altitude of ITBP BOPs ranges from 9,000 ft to 18,750 ft where the temperature dips to (-) 45 degrees Celsius.
ITBP Battalions are also providing security to various installations of national importance throughout the country, which includes Rashtrapati Bhawan, Vice President House, Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim), Tihar Jail (N Delhi), LBSNAA (UKD), and various sensitive installations in Chandigarh (Punjab) & Jammu (J&K).
In view of increased Maoist activities in various parts of the Country, ITBP was inducted in District Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) in December 2009 to thwart Naxal menace. At present, 8 Bns are deployed in Rajnandgaon, Narayanpur&Kondagaon Districts of Chhattisgarh.
At present, a well-equipped and highly trained team of elite commandos are deployed in Afghanistan for providing security to the Indian Embassy in Kabul and 4 Consulates General.
ITBP has also excelled in UN peacekeeping operations. The Force personnel were deployed for peacekeeping operations in Angola, Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mozambique, and Kosovo. A National Centre for UNCIVPOL training has been set up at ITBP Camp, Tigri, and New Delhi for providing systematic training to Indian Police Officers for deployment in UN Mission.
ITBP is also providing security, communication, and medical cover to the pilgrims during the Annual Kailash MansarovarYatra since 1981. ITBP provides communication, security, and medical cover to the yatries from Gunji to Lipulekh Pass and back to Gunji in coordination with MEA and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. Since 2015, the Kailash Mansarovar yatra is also being conducted from the Nathula route and ITBP is providing similar assistance for pilgrims in this route also.
Being the first responder for natural disasters in the Himalayas, ITBP was the first to establish 7 Regional Response Centres and carried out numerous rescue and relief operations in all disaster situations, which took place in our areas of responsibility as well as other parts of the country. In a historic rescue and relief operation in 2013, the ITBP saved 33,009 pilgrims from the grave situations from char Dham yatra routes in Uttarakhand in the 15-day rescue effort by the Force. 15 Him veers laid down their lives on 25th June 2013 in a Helicopter crash during this rescue operation.
ITBP conducts a large number of medical civic action programs in remote border and terrorist/Naxal affected areas to provide free and expert medical, health, and hygiene care to the civilian population in remote villages.
ITBP is at the forefront of the movement for the preservation of the Himalayan environment & ecology. ITBP has taken up in a big way the task of greening the Himalayan regions, especially in the Inner Himalayas. Being the only human presence in forwarding areas, it has taken on itself the task of maintaining the delicate balance of flora and fauna.
SSB
- Sashastra Seema Bal was established as Special Service Bureau in May 1963, in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression (in1962). SashastraSeema Bal came under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Jan 2001). SSB was declared a Lead Intelligence Agency for Indo Nepal (June 2001) and assigned the Indo Nepal border. Later, SSB was also assigned the Indo Bhutan border (March 2004). In March 2004, SSB received the President’s Colors (March 2004) in recognition of the keystone role in national security, since its inception.
The Charter
The force’s charter responsibility is to promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas; prevent trans-border crimes and unauthorized entry or exit from Indian Territory, and prevent smuggling and other illegal activities on our frontiers. The force personnel is vested with various powers under the criminal procedure code to facilitate border guarding and internal security duties.
History
Guided by its motto of Service, Security and Brotherhood, SSB personnel sagaciously went about nation building works with missionary zeal by involving millions of people from various communities and religions in 78,000 villages across fifteen Border States. Soon, SSB became popular as a ‘Peoples Force’. Several Prime Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, Central, and State Ministers and appreciated the pioneering works they did in mobilizing millions of border people for the national cause and converting them into proactive citizens willing to physically protect the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation. The Civic Action, empowerment, emancipation, awareness generation works, rescue relief works in has put SSB in a unique place amongst the comity of the Paramilitary forces.
The sterling role in 1965 and 1971 Wars, 1968 floods in North Bengal, IPKF Operations in 1987, internal security operations, natural calamities, election duties, raising the NSG, raising the Mahila Battalion for CRPF, providing specialized training for IB and RAW personnel, their relief works after the Super Cyclone hit Orissa and when the Koshi river swamped Northern Bihar, earthquakes hit latur, Bhuj and Uttarakhand, their performance in Police Duty Meets, national and international tournaments all puts SSB on an enviable pedestal of superiority.
13 Interesting Facts About CAPF
Often, CAPFs are incorrectly referred to as the Central Para Military Forces.
Between 2010 and 2013, over 47,000 personnel at various levels in the CAPFs either took voluntary retirement or resigned.
CAPF is not a single force but a combination of CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB &CISF.
CRPF, one force among CAPF, was raised in 1939 i.e. pre-independence.
CRPF is the only force having two national flags in its emblem or insignia.
CRPF and BSF are different from the Indian Army and have clear mandates to follow.
ITBP Himaveers, use to operate in extreme climatic conditions usually temperature dipping up to -45 degrees.
CISF is a most advanced force in providing security to establishments like DMRC with sophisticated weapons and equipment.
RAF is the leading agency in controlling riots when state police ask for help in doing so.
CoBRA is the leading agency in countering the Naxal Menace for the last decade.
BSF is the largest border guarding force in the world.
CRPF is World’s largest Armed Police Force.
Archana Ramasundaramserved in the Indian Police Service (IPS) for 37 years until her retirement in 2018 and was notably the first woman police officer of India to lead a central paramilitary force.
