Published on 07 Feb 2025
Central Armed Police Force is the collective name of central police organizations under the Home Ministry who are responsible for internal security and guarding the borders. They are categorized into three
Border guarding force: Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Indo Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Beema Bal.
Internal security force: Central Industrial Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force.
Special Task Force: National Security Guard
Mandate of Various Security Forces
Significance of Central Armed Police Force
Internal security: CAPF units are deployed in areas affected by terrorism, insurgency etc. and work in cooperation with the state police to neutralize the threats.
Example: The role of CRPF in countering Maoist insurgency in the red corridor areas.
Border security: The CAPF personnel along the border play a vital role in preventing infiltration, smuggling and other cross border illegal activities.
Example: BSF puts great efforts into preventing smuggling of weapons and terrorists infiltration along the Pakistan border.
Disaster management: CAPF units are often first responders during natural disasters and provide immediate assistance during such emergencies.
Example: CAPF personnel were employed in rescue operations during the Kerala floods.
VIP security: CAPF units are responsible for providing security to important dignitaries, government officials and visiting foreign leaders.
Law and order: They aid in maintaining law and order during demonstrations, protests and public events.
Example: CAPF units were employed to maintain order during protests against CAA in 2019.
Issues associated with CAPF
Lack of modern equipment and training: Inadequate training and outdated machinery affects their efficiency and makes the force more vulnerable to attacks.
Example: BSF personnel may not be well trained to deal with improvised explosive devices used by infiltration groups.
Personal stress: Deployment in a high stress environment for a long duration affects their physical and mental health.
Example: ITBP personnel posted along the Ladakh region face harsh cold climate and concerns regarding potential Chinese attacks raising their stress level.
Human rights concern: There have been allegations of human rights violation being conducted by CAPF personnel during their operations.
Example: Human rights violation alleged to be conducted by Assam Rifles during their peace operations in North east.
Lack of coordination with state police: Deploying central force goes against the interest of local police in many cases and this hinders joint cooperative efforts.
Example: During recent Manipur riots FIR has been filed by Manipur state police against Assam Rifles on charge of hindrance to exercise of duty.
Logistic challenges: Being deployed in remote terrains poses logistics challenges, affecting the supply of resources and communication.
Example: Assam rifles posted along Myanmar border faces a logistics crisis due to inhospitable terrain in the region.
Political pressure: CAPF units can face political pressure and interference in their operation which may compromise their ability to act impartially.
Low morale and retention issue: Lack of career growth prospect, challenging working conditions and inadequate compensation can lead to low morale among personnel.
Example: Reports of CAPF personnel leaving for better opportunities affect the force's overall effectiveness.
Government initiatives and way forward
Modernization and training: Specialized training and use of modern equipment to improve the operational capability of the force.
Example: The Modernization of Police Force Scheme for providing better surveillance devices, communication devices and weapons to CAPF.
Wellness programs: To deal with the stress level and to provide psychological support systems.
Example: CRPF has established a Wellness Wing to address mental health and wellbeing of its personnel.
Human rights training: To induce ethical conduct and to prevent instances of human rights violation.
Example: The Bureau of Police Research and Development conducts programs on human rights, gender sensitivity and community policing.
Better coordination: Deployment of central forces must be followed by guidelines delineating their jurisdiction to reduce their conflict with state police.
Skill development: To enhance their capability beyond their core duty.
Example: The BSF has launched vocational training centres to provide skill-based training to its personnel.
Infrastructure development: Construction of all-weather roads, bridges and tunnels to address logistic concerns.
Example: India actively pursuing road construction along the India-China border aids the functioning of ITBP employed there.
Security
National security architecture
Central armed police forces
BSF
CRPF
CISF
ITBP
Indian Military
General Studies Paper 3
Internal Security