The recent celebration of the 56th Raising Day Parade of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in New Delhi has brought renewed attention to this key force within India’s national security architecture. This article will explore the establishment, key responsibilities, and significant achievements of SSB, along with its administrative framework.
Establishment and Administrative Framework
SSB was originally established as the Special Service Bureau in May 1963, following Chinese aggression in 1962. It falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is one of the seven central security forces in India, comprising the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). These forces also include Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police, and National Security Guard.
Duties and Responsibilities
The key duties and responsibilities assigned to SSB include promoting a sense of security among people living in the border areas, preventing trans border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from Indian territory, and curbing smuggling and other illegal activities on Indian frontiers. It became the lead intelligence agency for Indo Nepal in June 2001 and was tasked with managing the Indo Nepal border. In 2004, the management of the Indo Bhutan border was also assigned to it.
| Responsibilities | Year Established |
|---|---|
| Lead Intelligence Agency for Indo Nepal | 2001 |
| Management of Indo Bhutan Border | 2004 |
Headquarters and Operational Area
SSB has its headquarters in New Delhi, with three frontier headquarters located in Lucknow (UP), Patna (Bihar), and Guwahati (Assam). SSB operates extensively on the Indo Nepal and Indo Bhutan borders across the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Major Achievements
In recognition of its vital role in national security, SSB was bestowed with the President’s Colours in 2004. The President’s Colours is the highest honour granted to a regiment, acknowledging its contribution to the security of the nation.
