The Indian Government approved Modernisation Plan-IV for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles (AR), and National Security Guard (NSG). This decision is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of these forces through advanced technology and improved training.
Overview of Modernisation Plan-IV
Modernisation Plan-IV has a financial outlay of ₹1,523 crore. It builds upon the previous Modernisation Plan-III. The focus is on transforming CAPFs into technologically advanced and professional forces. This includes upgrading equipment and training methods. The aim is to enhance their effectiveness in both domestic and border operations.
Goals of the Modernisation Plan
The primary goals include improving operational efficiency and ensuring that personnel are well-equipped. The plan seeks to integrate state-of-the-art technology into operations. It also aims to create a more responsive and agile force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
Vibrant Villages Programme
On March 26, 2025, the government sanctioned 156 projects under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). This initiative focuses on the development of border villages, with an investment of ₹62.68 crore. The programme aims to enhance tourism and infrastructure in these areas, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.
Identified Border Villages
A total of 662 border villages have been prioritised for development under the VVP. These villages are located in northern border states including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. The distribution of villages is as follows – Arunachal Pradesh has 455, Himachal Pradesh has 75, Ladakh has 35, Sikkim has 46, and Uttarakhand has 51.
Implementation Strategy
The VVP aims to converge existing schemes from both central and state governments. This strategic approach is designed to ensure comprehensive development in the identified villages. The government emphasises collaboration with local authorities to maximise the impact of development initiatives.
Significance of the Initiatives
These initiatives are crucial for national security and border management. The modernisation of CAPFs enhances India’s capability to respond to internal and external threats. Similarly, the VVP addresses socio-economic challenges in border areas, encouraging stability and integration.
Future Prospects
The ongoing modernisation and development efforts signal a commitment to strengthening India’s security framework. The focus on technology and infrastructure development is expected to yield long-term benefits for both security forces and local communities.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the implications of modernising the Central Armed Police Forces in India.
- Examine the significance of the Vibrant Villages Programme for border development in India.
- Estimate the impact of technological advancements on the operational efficiency of paramilitary forces.
- Point out the challenges faced by the Government of India in implementing comprehensive development in border areas.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the implications of modernising the Central Armed Police Forces in India.
- Enhances operational capabilities for internal security and border management.
- Incorporates advanced technology, improving response times and effectiveness.
- Increases professionalism through better training and equipment.
- Promotes a more agile force capable of addressing contemporary threats.
- Potentially leads to higher budget allocations and resource management challenges.
2. Examine the significance of the Vibrant Villages Programme for border development in India.
- Focuses on comprehensive development of 662 identified border villages.
- Aims to improve infrastructure, tourism, and quality of life in remote areas.
- Encourages socio-economic stability, reducing migration and enhancing local economies.
- Promotes convergence of existing government schemes for better resource utilization.
- Strengthens national security by encouraging community resilience in border regions.
3. Estimate the impact of technological advancements on the operational efficiency of paramilitary forces.
- Facilitates real-time data analysis and decision-making in operations.
- Improves communication and coordination among different units.
- Enhances surveillance capabilities, leading to proactive threat management.
- Streamlines training processes through simulation and modern methodologies.
- Increases overall effectiveness in both domestic and international operations.
4. Point out the challenges faced by the Government of India in implementing comprehensive development in border areas.
- Geographical remoteness and difficult terrain hinder infrastructure development.
- Limited financial resources and budget constraints may slow progress.
- Coordination among multiple government agencies can be complex.
- Local socio-political dynamics may resist external development initiatives.
- Security concerns and potential threats from neighboring regions complicate implementation.
