Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising day is annually celebrated on 24th October to mark the establishment of the ITBP, a Central Armed Police Force functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), in 1962.
- The day also honour the dedication of the ITBP in safeguarding the security of borders of India and promote sense of security among the people living in border areas.
24th October 2023 marks the observance of the 62nd ITBP Raising Day.
Significance of ITBP Raising Day:
i.The day serves to recognise the services and achievements of the ITBP and honour the brave hearts who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
ii.On this day, the government acknowledges the courage of ITBP personnel by presenting them with medals in recognition of their exceptional bravery and service to the nation.
Evolution of the ITBP:
i.ITBP was established on October 24, 1962, to reorganise the intelligence and security arrangements along the Indo-Tibetan border.
- It was raised in the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese aggression.
ii.Initially, the force commenced with the sanction of only 4 Battalions and operated under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act, 1949.
iii.In 1992, the ITBP Force Act was passed by Parliament, leading to the framing of corresponding rules in 1994.
ITBP Force Symbol:
The Crest of the ITBP showed a national emblem, i.e. Ashoka’s Lion Capital, mounted on the Chakra crossed by 2 loaded rifles depicting the valor and readiness of the Force.
Battalion Count:
i.The ITBP is increasingly tasked with diverse roles, including border guarding, counter-insurgency, and internal security functions.
ii.The number of ITBP Battalions increased gradually and ITBP presently has 60 service Battalions, 4 Specialist Battalions, 17 Training Centres and 07 logistics establishments with a total strength of approximately 90,000 personnel.
Points to note:
i.Based on the “One Border One Force” suggestion, the ITBP was entrusted with safeguarding the entire 3,488 km stretch of the India-China border ranging from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
ii.The ITBP’s significant responsibility includes border guarding duties, and in 2004, the ITBP effectively replaced the Assam Rifles in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Recognitions: Decorations earned by the ITBP forces include Padam Shri, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, and Police Medal for Gallantry, among others.
About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP):
Director General– Sh. Anish Dayal Singh, IPS
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established on– October 24, 1962
Motto– Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha (Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty)
