Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration and Regulation) Bill, 2026, which is scheduled to be introduced in Parliament.
Sharing the letter publicly, Tharoor stated that he forwarded a memorandum received from the Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association (AAPWA), an organization representing over 20 lakh personnel and veterans from forces including CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, and Assam Rifles.
Concerns Raised in the Letter
Alleged Non-Compliance with Supreme Court Order
Tharoor referred to the Supreme Court’s May 23, 2025 judgment that granted CAPF executive cadre officers the status of an “Organised Group A Service.” The court had also directed the gradual reduction of IPS officers’ deputation to CAPFs up to the rank of Inspector General.
He expressed concern that no concrete steps have been taken so far, leading to the filing of a contempt petition.
Promotion Delays and Cadre Frustration
The letter highlighted growing dissatisfaction among officers, noting that Assistant Commandants from the 2008 batches of CRPF and BSF have not been promoted to Deputy Commandant posts despite over 15 years of service. Meanwhile, junior IPS officers continue to be appointed to senior supervisory roles within CAPFs, causing morale issues.
Opposition to CAPF Bill 2026
Serving and retired personnel fear that the proposed bill could formalize IPS deputation to senior positions permanently, which they argue contradicts the Supreme Court’s directive aimed at rationalizing and reducing such appointments.
Demand for Cadre-Based Leadership
The memorandum emphasized that reliance on external officers affects institutional coordination and long-term development. It called for leadership drawn from experienced CAPF cadre officers with strong field and operational understanding.
Four Key Demands Made to the Home Minister
- Refer the Bill to a Parliamentary Committee
The bill should not be passed in the current session and must undergo detailed scrutiny by a parliamentary standing committee. - Implementation Roadmap for Supreme Court Verdict
The Ministry of Home Affairs should issue a clear and time-bound plan to implement the 2025 Supreme Court judgment and reduce IPS deputation. - Establishment of CAPF Welfare Boards
Separate welfare boards, similar to Sainik Welfare Boards, should be set up across all states and Union Territories for CAPF personnel, veterans, and their families. - Meeting with CAPF Veterans Delegation
A delegation from the AAPWA veterans committee should be granted an early meeting with the Home Minister to present their concerns directly.
The development comes just ahead of the bill’s parliamentary introduction, potentially intensifying debate over administrative reforms, cadre rights, and welfare issues within India’s paramilitary forces.
