Central Reserve Police Force
Why in News?
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is recently in the news because India observed its 87th Raising Day on July 27, 2026, with national leaders paying tribute to the personnel.
Overview & Governance
- Identity: The CRPF is India's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
- Ministry: It functions directly under the authority of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Headquarters: It is headquartered in New Delhi.
- Motto: Its guiding motto is "Service and Loyalty".
Historical Background
- Origin: It was initially raised by British India as the Crown Representative's Police at Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh) on July 27, 1939, to help princely states maintain public order.
- Rename: Following India's independence, it was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force on December 28, 1949, under the parliamentary CRPF Act.
- Visionary: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India, conceptualised its multifaceted role to suit the internal security needs of a democratic nation.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Crowd & Riot Control: Assists state administrations in managing severe public disturbances and riots.
- Counter-Insurgency: Deployed extensively to combat militancy in Jammu & Kashmir and tribal insurgencies in Northeast India.
- Anti-Naxal Operations: Acts as the primary security force tackling Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) across affected states.
- Democratic Security: Serves as the designated nodal agency ensuring safe, free, and fair conducting of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
- VIP & Installation Protection: Secures selected high-profile dignitaries, parliament, and critical infrastructure.
- Disaster & Peacekeeping: Actively assists in rescue/relief operations during natural calamities and participates in UN Peacekeeping Missions.
Specialised Wings & Composition
- Rapid Action Force (RAF): Raised in 1992, this zero-response wing specialises in anti-riot operations and handling communal unrest.
- Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA): Established between 2008–2011, this elite unit specializes in jungle warfare to combat Naxalites.
- Mahila Battalions: The CRPF holds the historic distinction of raising the world's first all-women paramilitary battalion in 1986.
- Signal Battalions: Highly trained technical branches providing secure and integrated communication infrastructure across harsh operation terrains.
Significant Historical Milestones
- Hot Springs Ambush (1959): Ten CRPF personnel laid down their lives fighting Chinese troops in Ladakh on October 21, which is now commemorated nationwide as Police Commemoration Day.
- Sardar Post Defence (1965): A small contingent successfully repulsed a heavily armed Pakistani brigade attack in Kutch on April 9, celebrated annually as Valour Day (Shaurya Diwas).
- Parliament Attack (2001): Played a decisive role in neutralizing terrorists who attempted to storm the Indian Parliament building.
