Important for UPSC Prelims: Internal Security | Governance
About the CRPF?
- The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
- It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- It is the principal force responsible for maintaining internal security, public order, and assisting State Governments in law-and-order situations.
- Unlike the Armed Forces, the CRPF is a central police organisation and not a military force.
- .Motto: “Service and Loyalty” (सेवा और निष्ठा)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
History
- 1939: Raised as the Crown Representative’s Police during British rule.
- 28 December 1949: Renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) under the CRPF Act, 1949.
- Following Independence, it played a significant role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
Administrative Control
- Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Administered through the Police-II Division of the MHA
Specialized Units of CRPF
Rapid Action Force (RAF)
- Specialized anti-riot force of the CRPF.
- Deployed for communal disturbances, riots, and crowd control.
CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action)
- Raised in 2008.
- Specially trained for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and guerrilla warfare.
- Operates mainly in Naxal-affected areas.
Major Roles of CRPF
- The CRPF plays a vital role in maintaining internal security and public order across India.
- Its responsibilities include crowd and riot control, counter-insurgency and anti-Naxal operations, election security, protection of VIPs and vital installations, disaster rescue and relief, and participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.
CRPF and Internal Security
CRPF is the lead CAPF for:
- Counter-insurgency operations
- Anti-Naxal operations
- Election security
- Area domination in disturbed regions
- Reinforcement of State Police during major law-and-order situations
What are CAPFs?
- The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are central police organisations functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- CAPFs function under the Ministry of Home Affairs, whereas the Army, Navy, and Air Force are under the Ministry of Defence.
The Seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs):
The seven CAPFs under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are:
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Internal security, law and order, counter-insurgency, and anti-Naxal operations.
- Border Security Force (BSF): Guards the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh international borders.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Secures the India-China border in high-altitude Himalayan regions.
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Guards the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Protects airports, metro networks, seaports, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and other critical infrastructure.
- National Security Guard (NSG): A specialized counter-terrorism force for hostage rescue and high-risk security operations.
- Assam Rifles (AR): Responsible for security in Northeast India and guarding the India-Myanmar border.
Conclusion
The CRPF plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security and supporting civil administration across the country. Its diverse responsibilities make it an indispensable pillar of India’s security architecture.
| These terms have been mentioned in the following article: Pellet Guns in Focus: Understanding Technology and Its Use |