Central Armed Police Forces Bill introduces umbrella law for service regulations

It aims to provide legislative clarity, preserve the operational distinctiveness of these forces, and harmonize judicial directions with administrative and federal requirements.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects Group A General Duty Officers (rank of Assistant Commandant and above), Indian Police Service officers on deputation, Indian Army officers on deputation or re-employment, and other officers recruited under specific rules in the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB). It also grants rule-making powers to the Central Government (Ministry of Home Affairs).

What the bill does

• The Central Government may make rules for recruitment, promotion, deputation, and conditions of service, overriding any other law, court judgment, or government order.
• Specific deputation quotas are mandated for Indian Police Service officers: 50% of Inspector General posts, a minimum of 67% of Additional Director General posts, and 100% of Special Director General and Director General posts must be filled by deputation.
• Existing recruitment rules for Group A General Duty Officers listed in the Second Schedule remain in force until modified or superseded.
• The Central Government can amend the First and Second Schedules to add new forces or rules, subject to laying the notification before Parliament.
• Financial benefits granted to Group A General Duty Officers under previous orders continue until new orders are issued.
• The Central Government has the power to remove difficulties arising from the Act for up to three years from commencement.
• The Act has overriding effect over any inconsistent provisions in other laws.

Also in the document

• The Bill states that the absence of an umbrella law previously led to fragmented regulatory provisions and several litigations on service-related matters.
• The Bill explicitly mentions the need to maintain Centre-State relations by ensuring the deputation of Indian Police Service officers, citing Article 312 of the Constitution.
• The Financial Memorandum states that the provisions do not involve any expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 25th March, 2026.