BJD MP Sasmit Patra Calls for Special Initiatives for CAPF Modernization and Welfare
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Synopsis
BJD MP Sasmit Patra urges special initiatives for CAPF modernization and welfare, highlighting the need for filling vacancies and enhancing personnel support.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent need for CAPF modernization initiatives.
- Filling of vacant CAPF positions is crucial.
- Establishment of dedicated CAPF officer cadre.
- Implementation of rotational deployment policies.
- Focus on welfare measures for CAPF personnel.
Bhubaneswar, March 21 (NationPress) Senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra on Friday urged the government to implement special initiatives focused on the modernization and welfare of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across the nation.
He emphasized the importance of filling all vacant roles within the CAPFs such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force, and Central Industrial Security Forces.
During his address regarding the operations of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha, MP Patra remarked: "One of the critical challenges is the severe shortage of personnel, especially at the officer level. Numerous CAPFs are facing deficits in supervisory positions, which adversely affects leadership, morale, and overall effectiveness. This shortfall is exacerbated by the outdated reliance on deputations from State Police and IPS cadres, leading to disruptions in leadership and a lack of expertise tailored to the forces.”
Pointing out the heightened stress experienced by paramilitary forces due to over-deployment, the senior BJD leader noted that CRPF battalions, particularly in conflict zones, are remaining deployed for extended periods without sufficient recovery time.
He added that continuous exposure to high-stress environments without adequate rest leaves personnel susceptible to fatigue.
“It is crucial for the Ministry to initiate an ambitious and time-sensitive CAPF Modernization & Welfare Mission 2030. The most important first step should be establishing a distinct CAPF officer cadre, eliminating the reliance on deputation and fostering a robust professional leadership pipeline. Furthermore, rotational deployment policies should be formalized to ensure that no unit is stationed in active conflict zones for an excessive duration,” Patra elaborated.
The BJD MP recommended a comprehensive welfare reform for the CAPF forces, which should include priority housing initiatives, family healthcare packages, CAPF-specific scholarships, and the setup of mental health counseling units in each battalion.
He argued for modernization efforts, suggesting that the Home Ministry should allocate a specific percentage of GDP exclusively for CAPF modernization, complete with annual targets and third-party audits to guarantee proper execution.
In his address, the senior BJD leader also presented several key recommendations to tackle the challenges facing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is India's main body for investigating anti-terrorism and organized crime, including the rising case load, insufficient manpower, inadequate forensic labs, digital investigation departments, and specialized cybercrime units.
He noted that vacancies in authorized positions within the NIA, along with the lack of sufficient forensic labs, digital investigation wings, and specialized cybercrime units, further hinder its operational efficiency.
Patra proposed a special recruitment drive to fill all authorized positions in the upcoming financial year, while simultaneously creating a mechanism for lateral entry to attract cyber and forensic specialists.
He also recommended that the ministry set up five Regional NIA Hubs across the North, South, East, West, and Northeast zones to alleviate congestion at the headquarters and boost efficiency.
Patra added that each regional NIA hub should be equipped with cutting-edge forensic laboratories, cyber intelligence units, digital case management systems, and dedicated liaison teams for state police forces.
He emphasized that the establishment of zonal NIA Special Courts capable of swiftly handling sensitive cases should accompany this decentralized framework.
He advocated for the creation of an Integrated National Resilience Grid, digitally linking the IMD, ISRO, CWC, state disaster authorities, local municipalities, and district administrations to provide real-time data integration, early warning systems, and centralized coordination for evacuations and resources.
Additionally, Patra called for the establishment of a dedicated Disaster Mitigation Infrastructure Fund, channeling resources into systems for flood control, earthquake-resistant structures, and climate-adaptive infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas.
