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• The Central Armed Police Forces are in urgent need of an overhaul to address the multifarious
  challenges that they are facing. Discuss.

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23-09-2023

Q: The Central Armed Police Forces are in urgent need of an overhaul to address the multifarious
challenges that they are facing. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Answer :

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprise seven security entities in India: Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, and National Security Guard (NSG). Falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs, these forces manage various roles, including border protection, sensitive facility security, and counter-terrorism operations.

Challenges Faced by CAPF:

• Personnel Issues:

• High attrition due to irregular deployments and dissatisfaction.
• Limited promotional opportunities compared to IPS officers.
• Stagnation across cadres affecting morale and efficiency.
• Pay disparity with armed forces and ‘Group A Organised Services’.

• Infrastructure Challenges:

• Insufficient arms, ammunition, and equipment.
• Haphazard force expansion burdening infrastructure.
• Inadequate budgets and cumbersome procurement processes.
• Need for updated training in emerging threats, including cyber security.

• Service Conditions:
• High instances of accidents and suicides due to lack of stability, loneliness, and domestic issues.
• Indifference from superiors, lack of sanctioned leave, and medical facilities.
• Harsh working conditions, lack of rotation policies, and poor housing.
• Dependence on central forces for state law and order.

Addressing CAPF Challenges:

• Review and Oversight:

• Periodic reviews by independent bodies to address personnel challenges.
• Effective grievance redressal mechanisms for personnel.

• Promotion and Compensation:

• Timely promotions and appropriate remuneration to boost morale.

• Infrastructure Enhancement:

• Enhanced budget allocations for equipment and arms.
• Streamlined procurement processes for efficient modernization.

• Training and Well-being:

• Updated training curriculum to cover emerging threats.
• Better medical facilities and standardized rotation policies.

• Operational Efficiency:
• Enhanced coordination between states and central forces.
• Ensuring central forces’ focus on critical roles rather than day-to-day law and order.

Efforts to address these challenges should ensure the well-being, preparedness, and efficiency of CAPF personnel, contributing to national security and public safety.