Parliament Budget Session: Amit Shah to table CAPF bill in LS after Rajya Sabha passage
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, marking the next step in a contentious reform of leadership appointments within India’s paramilitary forces.
The proposed legislation comes a day after it was cleared in the Rajya Sabha amid a walkout by Opposition members, who raised concerns over its implications.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh slammed the CAPF Bill after an Opposition walkout in the Rajya Sabha, calling it a “black law” that strips rights of personnel guarding India’s 15,000 km borders.
He cited multiple committee reports and a Supreme Court ruling supporting promotions for CAPF officers, accusing the government of ignoring long-standing demands.
Singh warned that 11 lakh CAPF personnel are watching the government’s actions and will respond at the right time.
The Bill seeks to formalise a structured deputation system for senior leadership roles across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB.
According to its provisions, up to 50 per cent of posts at the rank of Inspector General (IG) will be filled through deputation, while a minimum of 67 per cent of Additional Director General (ADG) positions will also be reserved for officers on deputation.
Significantly, the Bill mandates that all posts at the highest levels, Special Director General (SDG) and Director General (DG), will be filled exclusively through deputation, effectively institutionalising the long-standing practice of appointing Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to top CAPF positions.
The Centre has argued that the move will bring uniformity, improve coordination, and enhance operational efficiency by ensuring experienced leadership at the helm of these forces, which play a critical role in internal security, border management, and counter-insurgency operations.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from sections of the Opposition as well as serving and retired CAPF personnel.
Critics argue that the Bill could limit career progression opportunities for cadre officers within the forces, potentially impacting morale and institutional autonomy.
They have also questioned the increasing reliance on deputed officers rather than promoting from within.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate on Wednesday before Opposition parties staged a walkout, alleging that their concerns were not adequately addressed.
With the government holding a majority in the Lok Sabha, the Bill is expected to be passed, though further debate is likely.
If enacted, the legislation could significantly reshape the administrative and command structure of India’s paramilitary forces, with long-term implications for their functioning and internal hierarchy.