New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at reforming the leadership structure of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Union Government has directed all six CAPFs to carry out a comprehensive cadre review of their Group A officers. The decision follows the Supreme Court’s verdict delivered in May, nearly seven months ago, and is being widely described by CAPF officers as a long-overdue reform to address long-standing issues of stagnation and structural imbalance within the forces.
MHA Issues Time-Bound Directive
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order on Friday, instructing all six CAPFs to undertake a detailed cadre review and submit their review proposals within one month. The proposals will subsequently be examined by the ministry in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
“All Central Armed Police Forces are requested to undertake a comprehensive review of their existing Group ‘A’ cadres and submit detailed cadre review proposals to this Ministry,” the MHA order stated.
Cadre Review Pending Since 2021
A comprehensive cadre review of Group A officers has been pending since 2021, making the current directive a delayed but decisive step. The review will cover officers from the rank of Assistant Commandant to Inspector General, focusing on promotions, command hierarchy, and career progression.
Forces Covered Under the Order
The directive has been formally communicated to the chiefs of all six 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
Copies of the order were marked to the heads of these forces for immediate action.
Impact of Supreme Court Verdict
The move is directly linked to the Supreme Court’s judgment in May, which had –
- Directed the Union Government to complete a cadre review within six months
- Ordered a phased reduction of IPS officers on deputation in CAPFs up to the rank of Inspector General
- Stipulated that IPS deputation should be progressively reduced within two years
The Centre later filed a review petition, but the apex court refused to revisit its earlier order, leaving the government with no option but to implement the directions.
Progressive Reduction of IPS Deputation
One of the key outcomes of the cadre review, as envisioned by the Supreme Court, will be a gradual reduction in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in CAPFs. This is expected to strengthen the role of career CAPF officers in leadership positions and enhance institutional continuity.
CAPF Officers Welcome the Decision
CAPF officers have welcomed the government’s directive, calling it a crucial and long-pending reform.
A senior CAPF officer said:
“This is a long-overdue cadre review exercise that can address the issues of structural imbalances and stagnation in the forces. The exercise will enhance officers’ promotional avenues, command hierarchy, and long-term career progression.”
Focus on Stagnation and Career Growth
Under the cadre review exercise –
- Data on existing Group A officers will be compiled
- Bottlenecks leading to stagnation at specific ranks will be identified
- Proposals will be prepared to improve promotion prospects and command structure
Officials believe the exercise will bring parity, improve morale, and ensure a more balanced leadership framework within CAPFs.
A Turning Point for CAPF Reforms
This decision is being viewed as a turning point in CAPF cadre management, signaling the government’s intent to comply with judicial directions and respond to long-standing demands of CAPF officers. If implemented effectively, the cadre review is expected to reshape the organizational structure and leadership pipeline of India’s central armed police forces.
