The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are seven security agencies in India maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These include Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). However, they face significant challenges, many of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
There are seven CAPFs, each with a distinct role. The CRPF assists with internal security and counterinsurgency. The CISF safeguards vital installations such as airports and public sector undertakings. The NSS is a specific counter-terrorism force. The BSF, ITBP, SSB, and AR are all border guarding forces.
They are responsible for several security issues, including border protection, industrial security, and various other functions such as counterinsurgency operations, anti Naxal operations, internal security duties, VIP protection, lead intelligence agency, security to diplomatic missions abroad, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, disaster management, civic action nodal agency for UN Police Missions, and others.
Emergent Issues with CAPFs
The CAPFs face numerous problems. In 2017, the Standing Committee on Home Affairs expressed concern about long working hours, inadequate rest time, and poor medical facilities. Moreover, CAPFs personnel are not treated equally in terms of pay and allowances compared to the Armed Forces.
Modernisation efforts by the MHA, like financial support for the purchase of modern arms, ammunition, and vehicles, have been hampered by cumbersome procurement processes. States overly depend on CAPFs for routine law and order situations, straining their resources and curtailing their training needs.
Each of the seven CAPFs has its own cadre of officers; however, they are led by officers from the Indian Police Service, leading to dissatisfaction within the ranks. Other factors contributing to frustration include stalled promotions and the absence of cadre reviews. Since 2019, over 25 cases of fratricide have been reported within these forces.
Challenges During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Recently, the Government of India announced that nearly 1,200 paramilitary troopers tragically ended their lives over the past decade. The number of suicides among CAPF personnel significantly increased during the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The triggers for these unfortunate events were domestic problems, illness, financial issues, among others.
Proposed Solutions For CAPFs
To address these challenges, several measures can be taken. One is modernizing the CAPFs, for which the MHA must streamline the procurement process. Training should also include emerging technologies such as ICT and cybersecurity.
States need to enhance their capacities and ease their dependence on CAPFs. They should do this by improving their police forces through training and better equipment provision. Financial assistance from the central government can help in achieving this goal.
Improvements can be made in the cadre policy based on the recommendations of the Joshi Committee. This includes filling top positions from the respective CAPF cadre and conducting a timely cadre review. Stress management workshops, yoga, meditation, and better accommodation facilities may also prove beneficial for CAPF personnel.
The CAPFs play a critical role in maintaining peace and security in the country. Addressing these issues will strengthen them and allow them to serve more effectively.
