The Government of India has revealed that over one lakh positions remain vacant in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR). Efforts are underway to fill these vacancies swiftly through various recruitment initiatives. Additionally, the government is working on improving the well-being of CAPF personnel by ensuring that they spend more time with their families.
The Government of India has informed the Rajya Sabha that over one lakh positions remain vacant in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR). As of September 30, the total strength of these forces was recorded at 9,48,204, according to data from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the current vacancies stand at 1,00,204, with specific shortages in several key forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles (AR).
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, assured the Parliament that the government is taking active steps to expedite the recruitment process. These vacancies arise due to retirements, resignations, deaths, promotions, and the creation of new battalions and posts, making recruitment a continuous process. Over the past five years, the government has created 71,231 new positions within these forces to address growing security challenges.
As per the data provided by the ministry, there are currently 33,730 vacancies in CRPF, 31,782 in CISF, 12,808 in BSF, 9,861 in ITBP, 8,646 in SSB, and 3,377 in Assam Rifles. To address these shortages, the government is leveraging various recruitment mechanisms through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and the forces themselves.
Government Measures to Address Recruitment Shortages:
The government has implemented several measures to accelerate recruitment, including reducing the time required for medical examinations and lowering the cut-off marks for Constable-GD recruitment to ensure sufficient candidates, especially in categories with significant shortfalls. These steps aim to attract more candidates to apply and fill the vacant positions promptly.
Welfare of CAPF Personnel:
In addition to recruitment efforts, the government is also focusing on the welfare of CAPF and AR personnel. A notable initiative is ensuring that personnel spend 100 days per year with their families, which has been made possible through structured leave policies. Between 2020 and October 2024, a total of 42,797 CAPF and AR personnel have availed of this 100-day leave, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.
Financial Assistance for Martyrs:
The government has also placed special emphasis on the well-being of the families of fallen CAPF and AR personnel. Through the Bharat Ke Veer portal, the families of martyrs receive financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh, in addition to other entitlements. The Bharat Ke Veer Trust, established in 2018, ensures that the next of kin (NoKs) of martyrs receive a minimum of Rs 1 crore in financial assistance, with an additional Rs 10 lakh provided to the parents of married martyrs. As of now, 501 dependents of martyrs have benefited from these provisions.
Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Personnel Welfare:
The government’s continuous efforts to address both recruitment and welfare of CAPF and AR personnel are a part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s security infrastructure. With a focus on filling vacancies, improving work-life balance, and providing support to martyrs’ families, the government aims to ensure that the forces remain well-equipped and motivated to serve the nation.