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Central Armed Police Forces and Internal Security Challenges - Evaluation and Response Mechanism

Report Summary

  • The Committee on Estimates (Chairperson: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi) submitted its report on ‘Central Armed Police Forces and Internal Security Challenges – Evaluation and Response Mechanism’ on March 16, 2018.
     
  • Deployment of CAPFs: The Committee observed that there was heavy dependence of states on central armed police forces (CAPFs), even for everyday law and order issues.  This was likely to affect the anti-insurgency and border guarding operations, besides curtailing the training needs of these forces.  The Committee recommended that states must develop their own systems, and augment their police forces by providing adequate training and equipment.  The central government should supplement the efforts of state governments by providing financial assistance and other help needed by states for capacity building of their forces.   
     
  • Training of CAPFs: The Committee noted that there is an urgent need to update the curriculum and infrastructure in training institutes for CAPFs.  It recommended that while purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, government should ensure that training needs are taken care of and if needed, it may be included in the purchase agreement itself.  Further, it recommended that the training should be a mix of conventional matters and latest technology like IT, cyber security, and cyber crime.
     
  • Modernization of CAPFs: The Modernization Plan II (2012-17), approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, aims at providing financial support to CAPFs for modernizing arms, clothing, and equipment.  However, the Committee observed that the procurement process under the Plan was cumbersome and time consuming.  It recommended that bottlenecks in procurement should be identified and corrective action taken.  Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs and CAPFs should hold negotiations with ordnance factories and manufacturers in public or private sector to ensure uninterrupted supply of equipment and other infrastructure.
     
  • Promotion of CAPFs: The Committee observed that top positions in CAPFs are occupied by IPS officers.  This has a demoralizing effect on the officers of the CAPFs, and impacts the effectiveness of the forces.  The Committee recommended that top positions should be filled from the respective cadre of the CAPF.  In addition, there was frustration in CAPFs due to stagnation in promotions and lack of cadre review.  The Committee recommended that cadre review of all the CAPFs should be carried out within a defined timeline.  
     
  • Housing for CAPFs: The Committee noted that during the 12th Five Year Plan, as against the target of 24,206 houses for CAPFs, only 11,884 houses were constructed till March 31, 2016 (49%).  It recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs and CAPFs should hold regular consultations with state governments, and impress upon them the need for allocation of land for construction of houses for CAPF personnel.   
     
  • Intelligence gathering: The Committee noted that there is a need to improve the intelligence gathering mechanism, which should be strengthened and modernized within the shortest possible timeframe.  It recommended that agencies involved in intelligence gathering should be given autonomy in the recruitment of their personnel.  Further, an effective intelligence gathering mechanism should be developed, with synchronization between agencies and no delays in sharing of information.
     
  • Stress among CAPF personnel: The Committee noted that a number of personnel among the CAPFs have committed suicide.  It recommended that workshops on stress management should regularly be undertaken, and yoga and meditation be made part of the daily exercise for CAPF personnel.  Further, the Committee emphasized the need of accommodation near the deployment of the respective force, to enable personnel to meet their family members.
     
  • Youth in Jammu and Kashmir: The Committee noted that there was an urgent need to engage with the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, to bring them into the mainstream.  The central government has introduced schemes to increase employability of youth in Jammu and Kashmir, including Udaan and Himayat.  The Committee recommended that the impact of these schemes needs to be evaluated by the central and state governments.
     
  • Left Wing Extremism (LWE): The Committee observed that casualty of security forces in LWE affected areas are taking place due to mine blasts.  Further, there was non-availability of technology to detect deeply planted mines.  The Committee recommended that the government should take up the matter with concerned research organizations, like Defence Research and Development Organisation, to develop technology to counter threats in LWE affected areas.  

 

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