The Centre’s attempt to introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Bill in the Rajya Sabha faced immediate resistance, as Opposition parties objected to procedural lapses, forcing the government to pause the move before the bill could be formally tabled.
The disruption was triggered after members, including those from the Trinamool Congress, pointed out that the bill had not been circulated at least 48 hours in advance, as required under parliamentary norms. Derek O'Brien raised the issue in the House, urging the government to follow due process. Following the objection, Trinamool Congress MPs staged a walkout, while other Opposition parties such as Congress, AAP, and CPI(M) also opposed the introduction, cautioning against rushing legislation without adequate scrutiny.
In response to the pushback, the government decided to hold back the introduction of the bill, acknowledging that differences needed to be addressed. Amit Shah subsequently convened meetings with Opposition leaders, along with Kiren Rijiju, to build consensus not only on the CAPF Bill but also on other pending legislative matters. Separately, Mallikarjun Kharge held discussions with Opposition leaders to consolidate their position.
Despite the procedural setback, the Rajya Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee has already allocated eight hours for discussion on the bill, indicating that it remains a priority for the government once consensus is achieved.
The proposed CAPF Bill seeks to bring five central forces — CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and CISF — under a unified administrative framework. Its primary objective is to standardise recruitment, deputation, promotions, and service conditions across these forces, while formalising the role of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in senior positions.
Under the proposed structure, 50 percent of Inspector General-level posts would be filled through IPS deputation, while at least 67 percent of Additional Director General positions would follow the same route. At the highest levels, all Special Director General and Director General posts are proposed to be filled exclusively through deputation.
Currently, each of these forces operates under separate laws with distinct service rules. The bill aims to replace this fragmented system with a uniform framework, bringing greater consistency in administration.
The proposal also follows a Supreme Court ruling that had earlier called for a review of IPS deputation in CAPFs and directed reforms in cadre management. The bill, therefore, is being seen as part of a broader restructuring effort, though it has now entered a phase of political negotiation due to procedural and substantive concerns raised by the Opposition.
