Paramilitary Forces of India: Structure, Roles and Responsibilities
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| Paramilitary Forces of India: Roles, Structure and Complete Information |
Paramilitary forces are semi-militarized organizations whose training, discipline, structure, and operational methods closely resemble those of regular armed forces but which are not formally part of a country’s military. In India, paramilitary forces play a vital role in maintaining internal security, guarding borders, combating insurgency, protecting vital installations, and assisting the armed forces during wartime.
What Are Paramilitary Forces?
A paramilitary force is organized similarly to a professional military force and often functions as light infantry. Although paramilitary forces are not part of the Indian Army, they are trained to operate in hostile environments and, during war, certain forces may work under the operational control of the Army.
Classification of Indian Paramilitary Forces
Earlier, eight forces were collectively referred to as paramilitary forces. In 2011, the Government of India regrouped them, and six were classified as Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Present Paramilitary Forces of India
- Assam Rifles
- Special Frontier Force (SFF)
- Indian Coast Guard
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Assam Rifles (AR)
The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India, tracing its origin to 1835 when it was formed as the Cachar Levy. Over the years, it evolved into a modern paramilitary force and officially became Assam Rifles in 1917.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Border guarding along the Indo-Myanmar border
- Counter-insurgency operations in North-East India
- Internal security and aid to civil authorities
- Medical and educational assistance in remote areas
- Combat support during wartime
Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force was raised on 1 December 1965 after the Indo-Pak War to ensure the security of India’s borders. It is the primary border guarding force during peacetime.
- Guards India’s western and eastern land borders
- Prevents illegal infiltration and smuggling
- Conducts counter-insurgency operations
- Supports the Indian Army during war
BSF is the world’s largest border guarding force and played a major role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The CISF was established in 1969 to protect India’s critical infrastructure and industrial units. It operates across airports, seaports, power plants, and other strategic locations.
- Security of airports, metros, and PSUs
- Protection of nuclear and space installations
- Industrial fire safety through a dedicated Fire Wing
- Disaster management and consultancy services
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
The CRPF is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force, originally raised in 1939. It plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security across the country.
- Law and order maintenance
- Counter-insurgency and anti-Naxal operations
- Election security and VIP protection
- United Nations peacekeeping missions
Special Units of CRPF
- Rapid Action Force (RAF): Riot and civil unrest control
- Parliament Duty Group (PDG): Security of Parliament House
- CoBRA: Elite jungle warfare unit against Left Wing Extremism
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
ITBP was raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War to guard the border with China. It specializes in high-altitude operations.
- Border guarding along the Line of Actual Control
- Disaster management and rescue operations
- UN peacekeeping deployments
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
SSB guards the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders and focuses on border population engagement along with security.
- Prevention of cross-border crime
- Community-based intelligence gathering
- Border security in a 15 km belt
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
The Indian Coast Guard was established in 1978 to protect India’s maritime interests and enforce maritime law.
- Coastal and offshore security
- Search and rescue operations
- Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy missions
- Marine environmental protection
Special Frontier Force (SFF)
The Special Frontier Force was created in 1962 for covert and special operations, particularly along the Indo-China border. It operates under the Cabinet Secretariat and is one of India’s most secretive forces.
Conclusion
Paramilitary forces form the backbone of India’s internal security and border management system. Their contribution in safeguarding national interests, maintaining internal stability, and supporting the armed forces makes them indispensable to India’s security framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between paramilitary forces and the Indian Army?
Paramilitary forces handle internal security and border guarding during peacetime, while the Indian Army is responsible for external defense and warfare.
Which is the largest paramilitary force in India?
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the largest paramilitary force in India.
Is BSF part of the Indian Army?
No, BSF is not part of the Indian Army, but it supports the Army during wartime.
Which force guards India’s maritime borders?
The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for maritime security.
What is CoBRA force?
CoBRA is a specialized CRPF unit trained for jungle warfare and counter-Naxal operations.