CAPF Act ‘draconian’, say ex-paramilitary personnel

Chandigarh: Terming the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, as a "draconian" and "black law," the Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association (AAPWA) has strongly opposed its implementation and demanded immediate restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) for paramilitary personnel.The association also announced a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on May 6, where thousands of paramilitary families are expected to gather, demanding withdrawal of the Act and restoration of OPS. According to AAPWA president and retired additional director general of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), H R Singh, nearly 20 lakh families associated with paramilitary forces are backing the agitation.Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Saturday, AAPWA president said the association is deeply concerned over the passage of the Act by Parliament, despite a Supreme Court verdict dated May 23 last year. The ruling upheld time-bound promotion rights for around 13,000 Organised Group ‘A' Service (OGAS) officers in the CAPFs. Singh alleged that the new law undermines these rights and ignores longstanding demands of personnel. Highlighting the challenges faced by CAPF personnel, Singh said that despite ensuring security from Parliament to borders, paramilitary forces are often forced to approach courts for issues related to pensions, promotions and service conditions.AAPWA treasurer VS Kadam urged Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann to establish a paramilitary welfare board for the welfare and rehabilitation of families in the state.Former ITBP IG Anand Nibadia called for the creation of a separate ministry for Central Security Forces to ensure focused policymaking and address their unique concerns. He stressed that personnel endure long separations from families while serving in difficult conditions. Former BSF IG Vikas Chandra questioned the classification of BSF as a civilian force, and raised concerns over IPS officers heading such forces without adequate field experience. MSID:: 130718695 413 |