The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Foundation Day, also known as CRPF Raising Day, is annually observed across India on 27 July to commemorate the establishment of the CRPF, India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in 1939. CRPF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI).
- 27 July 2024 marks the observance of the 86th Foundation Day of the CRPF.
- This Day recognises the courage, contributions, services, and sacrifices of the CRPF personnel in serving India’s growth by maintaining peace, and preserving internal security, and national integrity over the past 85 years.
History of CRPF:
i.The CRPF is a premier central police force of the Union of India, established on 27 July 1939 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, as the Crown Representatives Police.
- The CRPF is one of the oldest Para-military Forces (now termed CAPF), specially designated to maintain internal security, counter-insurgency operations, anti-Naxal operations, and assist states in law and order duties.
ii.The creation of the CRPF was influenced by the Madras Resolution of the All-India Congress Committee in 1936, underscoring the need for a robust internal security apparatus.
iii.Post-independence, it was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on 28 December 1949, through an Act of Parliament.
- This legislative action also set up the CRPF as an armed entity under the jurisdiction of the Union.
iv.Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the 1st Home Minister of Independent India envisioned the multifaceted role of CRPF in a newly independent India.
Zones of CRPF:
i.The CRPFcomprising 246 battalions with a Force Headquarters, 4 Zonal Headquarters, 21 Administrative Sectors, 2 Operational Sectors, 39 Administrative Ranges, 17 Operational Ranges, 43 Group Centres, 22 Training Institutions, etc.
ii.4 Zonal Headquarters are
- Jammu Kashmir (J&K) Zone;
- Central Zone: located in Kolkata (West Bengal(WB));
- Southern Zone: located in Hyderabad (Telangana); and
- Northeast Zone: located in Guwahati (Assam).
Key Responsibilities:
i.The CRPF’s expertise in crowd and riot control, counter-insurgency, and managing Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) showcases its adaptability to various security challenges in maintaining law and order.
ii.The allocation of personnel for Very Important Person (VIP) security (5.68%) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) (8.5%) highlights the CRPF’s role in safeguarding both individuals and key national assets.
iii.It plays a vital role in securing Parliamentary and Assembly Elections nationwide. Their additional responsibilities involve environmental protection, disaster management, and the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
iv.The specialised units like the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Mahila Battalions, each addressing specific security needs.
- CRPF’s Mahila Battalions is the only paramilitary force in India with 6 all-women battalions. These battalions are considered essential for handling women’s agitations.
Key Points:
i.The 246 Battalions (Bns) of the CRPF include 208 Executive Bns, 6 Mahila Bns, 15 RAF Bns, 10 CoBRA Bns, 5 Signal Bns, 1 Special Duty Group (SDG), and 1 Parliament Duty Group (PDG).
ii.In recognition of their operational valour, the CRPF has been honoured with various awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG), etc.
iv.To date, 2255 brave CRPF soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the service of the nation.
Related Observance:
The CRPF Valour Day, (also known as Shaurya Diwas) is observed annually on 9 April, to commemorate the extraordinary valour displayed by the CRPF soldiers during the Battle of Sardar Post against the Pakistani brigade in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, in 1965.
About the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):
Director General(DG)- Anish Dayal Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Formed – 1939
