The Centre introduced the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, despite notices from at least six members opposing it. The notices were defeated by voice vote, allowing Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai to table the bill. It seeks to unify administration and recruitment across CAPFs.
New Delhi: The Centre tabled the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha, aiming to establish a unified legal framework for the five CAPFs and formalise IPS deputation at senior levels. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai countered objections, stating, “The objections raised are not factually correct. This bill does not interfere in any way with the powers of the judiciary. Its objective is solely to clarify the administrative framework, recruitment processes, and service-related matters of the Central Armed Police Forces.” The bill reserves 67% of additional director general posts and 50% of inspector general posts for IPS officers on deputation, with all special director general and director general roles exclusively for them, overriding conflicting rules. It emphasises IPS officers' role in operations and Centre-state coordination, despite opposition from CAPF associations over cadre stagnation. Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken initiated debate, arguing it defies a Supreme Court order from May 23, 2025, to progressively reduce IPS deputation and promote cadre officers. He cited CRPF's COBRA unit's contributions against Naxalism, the case of Assistant Commandant Ajay Malik injured in Jharkhand, and slow promotions—30 years to ADG for cadre vs. faster for IPS. Maken noted 529 CAPF personnel died in duty over five years. BJP MP Mahendra Bhatt hailed it as positive reform to boost efficiency and morale, ending litigations. YSRCP MP Golla Babu Rao backed it for clarity but suggested referral to a parliamentary committee. Notices against introduction came from Maken, Derek O'Brien (TMC), John Brittas (CPI(M)), Sandosh Kumar P (CPI), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), and Vivek Tankha (Congress).
