Amid debate over IPS deputation and cadre reforms, Union Home Minister Amit Shah prepares to table the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The proposed law seeks to create a unified legal framework for personnel management across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal. At present, each force operates under its own Act, leading to variations in recruitment, promotion, and service conditions.
With nearly 10 lakh personnel and tens of thousands of vacancies across ranks, the CAPFs form the backbone of India's internal security architecture. The proposed legislation is expected to have far-reaching implications for their structure, leadership, and functioning.
According to the Bill's stated objectives, the legislation aims to streamline rules governing recruitment, deputation, promotions, and service conditions of Group A General Duty officers and other personnel. The government has argued that the absence of a common legal framework has resulted in fragmented regulations and frequent litigation, affecting administrative efficiency.
The Bill also seeks to empower the Centre to frame rules—overriding other laws or court orders if necessary—on how officers are recruited, promoted, or deputed across CAPFs.
A key provision in the proposed law formalises the role of Indian Police Service officers in CAPFs. It provides that:
Around 50 per cent of Inspector General (IG) posts will be filled through deputation from the Indian Police Service. Also, at least 67 per cent of Additional Director General (ADG) posts will be held by deputed IPS officers, while senior-most ranks, including Special Director General and Director General, will be filled entirely through deputation
The government has defended this arrangement, stating that IPS officers have historically played a crucial role in maintaining coordination between the Centre and states, especially in internal security and border management operations.
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