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Topic : National Security Advisor Proposes CAPF Integration
GS-3 Mains : Security
Revision Notes
Why in News ?
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval suggested integrating the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) similar to the joint theater commands in the Indian Armed Forces.
CAPF Overview:
- CAPFs are central police organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Responsible for internal security and border guarding.
- Seven Forces:
- Assam Rifles (AR): Border security, counter-insurgency, and law and order in Northeast India.
- Border Security Force (BSF): Guards Pakistan & Bangladesh borders, also deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Guards the Indo-China border.
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Guards Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders.
- National Security Guard (NSG): Counter-terrorism unit with personnel from CAPFs and Indian Army.
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Handles internal security duties, with a large presence in North East, LWE areas, and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Secures PSUs, critical infrastructure, airports, and provides security during elections and for VIPs.
Challenges Faced by CAPF:
- High Stress:
- Continuous deployment in difficult conditions leads to high stress and low morale.
- Over 50,000 personnel quit in the past five years (MHA data).
- Overburdening:
- Vacancies lead to overworked existing personnel, impacting efficiency and mental health.
- Bureaucracy:
- Slow decision-making and red tape hinder equipment procurement, welfare measures, and reforms.
- Leadership Selection:
- Resentment exists when leaders with no CAPF experience are appointed.
- Coordination with State Police:
- Collaboration is crucial, but hindered by jurisdictional issues, communication gaps, and conflicting strategies.
Proposed Benefits of Integration:
- Homogeneity:
- Integration aims to achieve uniformity in deployment across various situations.
- Resource Optimization:
- Forces can pool resources for better utilization of platforms, weapons, and assets.
- Improved Coordination:
- An integrated structure simplifies communication between different forces.