The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) under the authority of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs is a crucial establishment in maintaining national security. Comprised of seven forces, the retirement age for all personnel has recently been fixed at 60 years by the Union Home Ministry. Each force has its unique cadre of officers who are guided by officers from the Indian Police Service.
Assam Rifles (AR)
The Assam Rifles came into existence in 1835 as a protective militia for British Tea estates against tribal raids. Initially called the ‘Cachar Levy’, they significantly contributed to regional administration and commerce. In time, they became known as the “right arm of the civil and left arm of the military.” Post-independence, their role evolved from conventional combat operations during the Sino-India War 1962, peacekeeping activities in the North-Eastern parts of India, to operations in foreign lands.
Border Security Force (BSF)
Established on 1st December 1965, the Border Security Force is entrusted with guarding India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. With an artillery regiment, air wing, marine wing, and commando units, it currently stands as the world’s largest border guarding force. Often termed as the first line of defence for Indian territories, the BSF plays an indispensable role in national security.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Introduced in 1969 with three battalions, the Central Industrial Security Force initially served to provide integrated security cover to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). However, with globalisation and economic liberalisation, the CISF expanded its mandate to offer security to major critical infrastructure installations across the country. From nuclear installations, space establishments, and airports, to sensitive government buildings and heritage monuments, CISF’s reach has diversified significantly.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
First known as the Crown Representative’s Police in 1939, the Central Reserve Police Force, established in 1949 post the enactment of the CRPF Act, upholds the supremacy of the Constitution by maintaining Rule of Law, Public Order and Internal Security. Duties performed by the CRPF include crowd control, counter militancy/insurgency operations, coordination of large scale security arrangements, assisting during natural calamities, wars, and participation in UN peacekeeping missions.
| Forces | Roles |
|---|---|
| Assam Rifles (AR) | Regional administration and commerce, Peacekeeping |
| Border Security Force (BSF) | Guarding borders, National security |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | Providing security to critical infrastructure |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | Maintaining law and order, Counter militancy operations |
Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Indo Tibetan Border Police is a specialized mountain guard force established on 24 October 1962. It guards the Indo-China border from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh spanning 3488 km. The ITBP is equipped with professionally trained mountaineers and skiers and also participates in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities.
National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guard, a counter-terrorism unit established in 1986, is charged with protecting states from internal disturbances. With the primary philosophy of swift action and subsequent withdrawal, the NSG is a task-oriented force that handles all facets of terrorism across the country as a Federal Contingency Force.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Originally known as the Special Service Bureau, the Sashastra Seema Bal was created in March 1963 with the primary objective of achieving ‘Total security preparedness’ in remote border areas. Today, it is spread along the international border across several Indian states from Uttarakhand to Arunachal Pradesh, and is responsible for safeguarding the security of assigned borders, preventing trans-border crimes, smuggling, and any other illegal activities, among others.
