In India, we have a set of seven Security forces authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These seven security are clustered together and are known as the Central Armed Police Force. Central Armed Police Force plays a crucial role in defending the National Interest, mainly against internal threats.
Today, we will discuss these seven security forces and their roles and responsibilities.
CAPF
Central Armed Police Force is seven security forces. The CAPF AC exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, The AC in the exam stands for Assistant Commander, to recruit the AC (Grade A officer) in the seven security forces. Anyone willing to be part of CAPF has to clear the exam and another selection process.
Here is the list of Seven security of CAPF-
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Assam Rifles (AR)
- National Security Guard (NSG)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Central Reserved Police Force is India’s largest Central Armed Police Forces that operates under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) within the Government of India.
The purpose of CRPF is to support State and Union Territories in maintaining law and order, preserving peace, and countering insurgency. It has also taken a role in anti-Naxal operations and has achieved noteworthy milestones in the past five years.
Roles and Responsibilities of CRPF –
- Internal Security
- Riot Control and Crowd Management
- VIP Security
- Counter-Insurgency Operations
- Border Security
- Law and Order Duties
- Disaster Management
- Training and Capacity Building
- Community Development
Assam Rifles
Another part of CRPF is Assam Rifles, a central paramilitary force that maintains law and order border security, and counter emergencies in Northeast India. The purpose of this force is to guard the Indo-Myanmar border. Assam Rifles works under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and its operations are maintained by the Indian Army. The recruitment, perks, promotions, and retirement are under the CAPF rule 80% of the officers are deputed from the Army, and the remaining are from the AR cadre.
Functions of Assam Rifles
- Assam Rifles has fought in two world wars, the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
- Assam Rifles are helpful as an anti-insurgency force against militant groups in the North East.
- After independence, Assam rifles have contributed in many ways. They are as follows-
- Assam rifles are responsible for peacekeeping in the North-Eastern states of India.
- Operating in foreign land as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 (Op Pawan) .
National Security Guard (NSG)
National Security Guard (NSG) is a trained and specialist force of CRPF that counter/tackle terror activities in any part of the country.NSG is renowned as a world-class Zero Error Force. The officers/personnel from the Indian Army, State Police Forces, and Central Armed Police Forces are enrolled in NSG.
NSG has become a frightening Force through its training, operational achievements, and dedication. Have you ever heard of Black cats? The NSG is known as Black Cats because of their black outfit and black cat insignia on their uniform. Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha is the motto of NSG, and that’s why they complete their tasks/operations with an objective –Never Give Up. NSG or black commandos are correct and accurate.
Functions of the National Security Guard (NSG)
1. Counter-hijacking tasks on land, sea, and air
2. Bomb disposal (search, detection, and neutralization of IEDs)
3. Post Blast Investigation (PBI)
4. Hostage Rescue missions like in the Taj Hotel during the 26/11 Mumbai attack
5. VIP security (like security to Cabinet Ministers and other eminent persons)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is another Central Armed Police Force. It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The purpose of Sashastra Seema Bal is to guard India’s international borders with Bhutan and Nepal. When it was created in 1963, it was named as Special Services Bureau. Later, the name changed when it was handed the duty of securing the India-Nepal border.
Functions of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- The primary responsibility of SSB is to secure India -Nepal and India – Bhutan border.
- SSB tackles and prevents cross-border crimes, smuggling, and other illegal activities.
- Another crucial responsibility of SSB is to prevent illegal entry or exit from the territory of India.
- They are also responsible for carrying out civic action programs such as construction of toilets, schools, and roads.
- Carry out the responsibility allocated by the Central Government.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Indo-Tibet Border Police is responsible for guarding India- the China border in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh states. The altitude of ITBP BOPs ranges from 9,000 ft to 18,750 feet where the temperature dips to (-) 45 degrees Celsius.
Functions of Indo-Tibetan Border Police
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police has provided security, communication, and medical cover to the pilgrims during the Annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1981
- It also conducts numerous medical civic action programs in remote areas terrorist/naxal-affected areas to provide free and expert medical, health, and hygiene care to the civilian population in remote villages.
Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force (BSF) is one of the five central armed police forces responsible for guarding India’s borders with neighboring countries. It came into light on 1 December 1965 and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Functions of Border Security Force (BSF)
- BSF is responsible for securing the Borders of India.
- They maintain peace and order and prevent international crime.
- BSP performs various tasks, such as anti-smuggling operations, border security, counter counter-insurgency operations, and helping the local population during natural disasters.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Central Industrial Security Force is a police force /organization designed to facilitate the security of industrial units in the country.CISF consists of qualified officers who are experts in defending enterprises from theft and other crimes. It is the largest industrial security force in the world. It has 300 industrial units and a workforce of 170,000.
Functions of CISF
- It protects various businesses and strategic institutions.
- BSP protects the security of Delhi Metro Rail and 150 metro stations in the capital.
- Central Industrial Security Force is responsible for preventing smuggling and trafficking at airports.
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