New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing recruitment, deputation, promotion and service conditions of officers across the central armed police forces.
The proposed legislation aims to serve as an umbrella law for major paramilitary forces including the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal. Currently, each of these forces operates under its own Act and set of rules governing appointments and service conditions.
According to the provisions outlined in the bill, a significant share of senior posts in these forces will continue to be filled by officers from the Indian Police Service on deputation. The proposal specifies that 50 percent of Inspector General rank posts will be filled through deputation, while at least 67 percent of Additional Director General rank positions will be reserved for deputed officers. The posts of Special Director General and Director General would be filled exclusively through deputation.
The bill has gained attention in the context of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India, which last year dismissed a review plea filed by the Centre regarding its earlier directive on IPS deputation in CAPFs. The court had also asked the government to conduct a long pending cadre review of the forces within six months and suggested that deputation quotas in higher ranks be gradually reduced to address concerns of career stagnation among cadre officers.
Government documents outlining the objectives of the bill state that the absence of a unified legal framework has led to fragmented regulatory provisions and frequent litigation over service related matters. The proposed law seeks to bring legislative clarity while maintaining the operational requirements and administrative structure of the forces.
The CAPFs play a crucial role in safeguarding national borders and handling internal security duties, often working closely with state authorities. The government has argued that maintaining the presence of IPS officers within these forces helps strengthen coordination between the Centre and states and supports effective operational functioning.
If enacted, the legislation is expected to standardise service rules, streamline recruitment and deputation processes and address administrative challenges faced by the forces while balancing institutional requirements and judicial directions.
