CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

Overview

• Group of seven security forces under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Formerly known as Paramilitary Forces.
• Headed by Director General (DGP) rank officers.

Forces under CAPFs

• Assam Rifles (AR)
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• National Security Guard (NSG)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Administrative Control

• All under MHA, except Assam Rifles, which has:
  • Admin control: MHA
  • Operational control: Ministry of Defence (MoD)

CAPF Classification

• Border Guarding Forces: AR, BSF, ITBP, SSB
• Special Operations: NSG, SPG
• Internal Security: CISF, CRPF

Highlights of Key Forces

Assam Rifles (AR)

• Oldest paramilitary force (1835).
• Guards Indo-Myanmar border, maintains internal security in NE.
• Dual control (MHA + MoD).
• Active in UN peacekeeping & disaster relief.

Border Security Force (BSF)

• Formed in 1965 post Indo-Pak war.
• Guards India’s borders with Pakistan & Bangladesh.
• Roles: peacetime border security, wartime tactical support, intelligence ops.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

• Raised in 1962 post Sino-India war.
• Guards India-China border across 5 Himalayan states.
• Also engaged in UN peacekeeping & disaster relief.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

• Formed in 1963 post 1962 war.
• Guards Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan
• Known as “People’s Force” for community engagement.

Special Operations Forces

National Security Guard (NSG)

• Established in 1984 post-Indira Gandhi assassination.
• Federal contingency force for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, bomb disposal.
• Played key role in 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
• Comprises Special Action Group (Army) & Special Ranger Group (CAPF/Police).

Special Protection Group (SPG)

• Formed in 1985 to protect PM & former PMs and their families.
• Works with IB and local police for proximate security.

Internal Security Forces

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Established: 1969.
• Secures critical infrastructure: airports, nuclear plants, metros, monuments, etc.
• Also handles VIP security and fire services.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

• Largest CAPF; formed in 1939 (as Crown Rep. Police).
• Main force for internal security, counterinsurgency, riot control, LWE operations.
• Also active in UN missions and disaster response.

About CISF

• A Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Established: 10 March 1969 by an Act of Parliament with an initial strength of 2,800.
• Declared an armed force of the Union on 15 June 1983.
• Current strength: Over 88 lakh personnel.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Provides security to 359 establishments across India.

Organizational Structure

• Headed by an IPS officer of Director General
• Assisted by Additional Director General (IPS).
• Divided into 7 sectors: Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training.
• Has a specialized Fire Service Wing.

Functions & Duties

• Protects key infrastructure: nuclear plants, space facilities, airports, seaports, power plants, etc.
• Airport security responsibility since 2000, post IC-814 hijacking.
• Secures: Delhi Metro, Parliament House, heritage monuments, central jails of J&K, etc.
• Operates a VIP Security vertical for high-profile protectees.
• Fire protection: Only CAPF with a dedicated fire wing; among largest providers.
• Post 2008 Mumbai attacks, tasked with securing private sector establishments.
• Provides security consultancy services to private companies.
• Unique CAPF with daily public interface at airports, Delhi Metro, and monuments.