India's Central Forces Struggle with Manpower Crisis: CISF Faces 18.7% Deficit

India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are facing a significant manpower crisis, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) being the hardest hit. According to a recent disclosure by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CISF, which is tasked with securing vital industrial installations and airports, has a striking 18.7% deficit in its personnel.

The CISF is currently operating with 151,925 personnel, which is substantially below its sanctioned strength of 186,924. This shortage is the most severe among the six CAPFs, which collectively are dealing with a 9.1% shortfall in manpower. This deficit poses serious challenges to the effective functioning of these forces, which play a critical role in maintaining national security.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the largest of the CAPFs, is also facing a significant manpower issue with a 9.9% deficit. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) follows closely with an 8.9% shortage, while the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has a 5.9% shortfall. The Assam Rifles (AR) and the Border Security Force (BSF) both have a 4.5% deficit.

In response to this widespread shortage, the government has ramped up recruitment efforts. Between April 2023 and February 2024, 67,345 recruits were inducted into the CAPFs, and an additional 64,091 vacancies are currently in various stages of the recruitment process. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the staffing crisis and ensure that the forces remain operationally ready.

To expedite recruitment, several measures have been implemented. The government has entered into an agreement with the Staff Selection Commission for the annual recruitment of general duty constables. Additionally, the recruitment process for non-general duty positions has been accelerated, and departmental promotions have been made more efficient. The time required for medical examinations has also been reduced to hasten the recruitment process.

The manpower shortages across the CAPFs raise concerns about their ability to effectively perform their duties, which include border security, counter-insurgency operations, and maintaining internal security. The ongoing recruitment efforts by the government are essential to bolster these forces and ensure they can fulfill their critical mandates.

The CISF's significant shortfall, in particular, highlights the urgent need for increased recruitment and retention efforts. The force's role in safeguarding industrial installations and airports is vital, and any gap in its personnel could potentially compromise national security. The government’s proactive measures are a step in the right direction, but sustained efforts and possibly new strategies will be necessary to fully address the manpower crisis and ensure the CAPFs are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities.