CRPF – A Multi-Pronged, Multi-Tasking, Versatile Force
Central Reserve Police
Force, the largest Paramilitary of the world, has come of age and has matured
into a multi-pronged, multi-tasking, versatile Force, fighting with varied
adversaries. Adaptability has been a keyword for CRPF, which has come across many
intricate and complicated forms of internal security issues threatening the
largest democracy. Ever since its birth, in 1939 as Crown Representative
Police, to deal with hooligans like criminal and dacoits, it is constantly at
task with increased demands. Over the decades, it has shown its prowess in
challenging the enemy on its home-turf. May it be the tough terrain of Left
Wing Extremism Area, treacherous terrain of North-East, the diehard Militants
of Punjab or extremists flourishing in J & K. CRPF has stood the test of
time. Apart from exchanging bullets with militants, CRPF had been instrumental
in maintaining law and order during General Elections, Amarnath Yatra, J &
K agitation, Kandhmal and …….the list is unending. During any national calamity,
CRPF remains one of the first responders.
Today
CRPF is fighting in three areas of conflict, i.e., North-East insurgency, J
& K militants and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. Of the three,
LWE affected area is the one which has in recent years grabbed the attention,
in terms of intensity of conflict. The so called Maoists are throwing a serious
challenge not just due to the number of atrocities committed by them but also
due to the pace and space it is expanding. The constant operations and presence
of CRPF in the Maoist affected area resulted in sharp decline of human
casualties and recovery of huge illegal weapons and stores. Pathbreaking
success was scored by CRPF and CoBRA commandos (the elite special forces of
CRPF) on 24th November, 2011 in a meticulously planned
operation. CRPF, on one hand, took tough stand on naxals and launched major
offensive operations, it simultaneously worked for the betterment of society by
undertaking Civic Action Programme. It is conducting Civic Action Programmes,
which are basically support programmes for the lowest strata of society and
students, even in the impenetrable areas, where the local administration is yet
to make a foray. These programmes have thus acted as a bridge between the
administration and local populace, in those areas and the district
administration gets a firsthand account of the problems being faced by the
local population. Though the present thrust is on Left-Wing affected areas, but
the problems of J & K and North-East have also not been put on backburner.
Constant vigil and eye on anti-national elements is kept and offensive
operations are launched, whenever required.
Training and Morale
constitute the backbone of any uniformed force. In view of the latest
operational scenario, every jawan has to be self-contained, light weight,
having night vision capabilities, possessing precision weaponry, able to handle
sophisticated weapon and high tech radio equipment, proficient in GPS and map
reading and expert in Jungle Craft and Survival, which is the need of the
Force. The training syllabi of the Force has been revamped to meet the specific
need of the Force, keeping in view the multifarious duties it performs. One
minute drills of various types such as uniform drill, strengthening drills, weapons
drills, vehicle drills, reflex drills, operational drill, survival drill, night
drill and sports drill etc. have been introduced. Strenuous Heli-slithering
exercise aimed for Confidence training, has been started. A week
long jungle survival training, in addition to the one already existing, has
been introduced to train the officers and men to conceptualize real time
situations, based on “train as you fight and fight as you train” basis. Counter
Insurgency and Anti Terrorism ( CIAT ) Course at Silchar ( Assam) or
Shivpuri (M.P.), has been made compulsory for Officers after their basic
training. This prepares them for effective leadership in LWE areas. Baffle
ranges (50mtrs. To 200 mtrs.) have been created at 13 different locations.
Dynamic targets in these give a feel of a real time field like situation. A
Pool of Trainers is created by introduction of “Training of Trainers” course to
maintain a steady flow of trainers. Mentoring for trainers has been introduced
for building correct attitude and bringing necessary attitudinal change to
develop positive attitude for preparation of outstanding instructors. Buddy
System has been introduced to enhance operational efficiency and also effective
welfare of personnel.
To
enhance and sharpen the operational capabilities of the Force, with an eye on
its diverse roles, skill-specific Specialized Schools have been set up across
the country. Intelligence School at Kadarpur, Gurgaon will train the personnel
in the crucial skill of intelligence gathering; ToT (Training of Trainers)
School, at Dharampur, Himachal Pradesh will ensure a steady supply of
high-quality trainers for the Force. To counter the menace of IEDs, an Indian
Institute of IED Management ( IIIM ) has been established at Pune. Since the thrust
of the Force at present, is on Naxal dominated areas, a National Institute of
Jungle Warfare is being established at Belgaum, Karnataka. To
ensure unbridled delivery of sumptuous food to jawans, a College of Cooking and
Catering Management, Taralu, Karnataka has been established. A College of
Information & Technology has been set up at Bangalore, Karnataka. To keep
the fervor of communal harmony intact, a RAF Training School is
being set up at Meerut shortly. In addition to above, a “Dog Breeding and
Training School” has been set up at Taralu, Bangalore. These schools will
considerably enhance the strike capability of the Force.
A giant leap towards the
welfare of personnel has been taken with the Cabinet Committee on Security
approving the proposal of MHA to declare retired Central Armed Police Force
personnel as “Ex-Central Armed Police Force Personnel” and the State/UT
governments have been requested to extend suitable benefits to them on the
lines of benefits extended by the State/UT Governments to the Ex-Servicemen of
Defence Forces.
The Ministry of Railways
has approved attachment of extra coach in 7 trains, of sectors in North-East, J
& K, Central and Southern region, on regular basis, for CRPF personnel
serving in these regions, for a period of one year.
It is said “Knowledge is
Power, Ideas Rule the world”. CRPF provides educational assistance
to its personnel for providing good education to the wards of its personnel.
Two state-of-the-Art schools viz. CRPF Public School Rohini and CRPF Public School,
Dwarka have been established in Delhi to provide quality education to students.
Rankwise Percentage of Scholarship to meritorious children of personnel has
also been increased and in the case of Followers/deceased/disabled/single girl
child, only passing marks are required for earning a scholarship.
Risk Fund benefits to
families of deceased have been substantially enhanced, with a portion of the
sum to be awarded to the parents of the deceased. Owing to a increased number
of injured personnel in various operations, the invalidation benefits have been
increased from two to four fold with varying degree of invalidation. The
immediate financial assistance to the next of kin of deceased, towards
funeral charges, has also been increased from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs.15,000/-.
CRPF is living up to its
motto of “Service & Loyalty”, with worthwhile contribution to the
unhindered progress of the nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment