Last Updated on March 23, 2026 12:59 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The Centre is set to introduce a comprehensive umbrella Bill in Parliament to regulate the functioning, recruitment and service conditions of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), in a move aimed at bringing uniformity and legal clarity to India’s frontline internal security forces.
The proposed legislation, seeks to address long-standing gaps arising from a fragmented legal framework governing CAPFs, which include forces tasked with border security, counter-insurgency operations and maintenance of internal security.
The proposed legislation is expected to streamline key aspects such as recruitment, deputation, promotions and service conditions of officers, particularly those in Group A General Duty roles.
Emphasising the critical role of these forces, the Centre noted that CAPFs operate under a strict command-and-control structure due to the nature of their armed duties in the field. Their organisational setup—spanning sections, platoons, companies and battalions—necessitates a distinct framework different from other civilian organisations.
The Bill also seeks to preserve the existing system of deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to CAPFs, underlining their importance in ensuring coordination between the Union and the states, especially in matters of internal security and anti-insurgency operations.
At present, CAPFs are governed by separate Acts of Parliament, with rules framed under each law. The new umbrella legislation aims to harmonise these provisions, reduce legal disputes and ensure administrative efficiency while maintaining the operational autonomy of the forces.
The government has said the proposed law will also help align judicial directives with administrative and federal requirements, thereby strengthening Centre-State coordination.
The Bill, once introduced, is expected to trigger a wider political debate over service structure, deputation policies and the balance between operational needs and administrative reforms in India’s security architecture.