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New Delhi, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Around 400 former Border Security Force (BSF) tradesmen, who were dismissed after certificates submitted during their recruitment were found to be fake, have appealed to the government for reinstatement, saying they were victims of cyber fraud rather than deliberate document fraud.
The affected personnel were recruited during 2023-24, with several joining the BSF in 2024 through recruitment linked to the Prime Minister's Rozgar Mela initiative. They were appointed to trades such as cooks, water carriers and waiters and served for nearly two years before their services were terminated over discrepancies in their skill certificates.
The Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association on Wednesday held a press conference at the Press Club of India and demanded that the government reconsider the dismissals and provide relief to the affected personnel.
The association said the recruits had obtained the certificates from individuals or institutes they believed were legitimate, and alleged that they had been duped by cyber fraudsters who issued fake documents.
Deepak, a Delhi resident who was posted with the BSF's 155th Battalion in Ferozepur, Punjab, said he was informed that the certificate submitted by him was not genuine.
He claimed that he had learned about an institute through YouTube that advertised certificates as valid. According to Deepak, legal action was taken against those allegedly involved in issuing the certificates, but they were released after a few days and have since continued operating their YouTube channel.
“We have been victims of cyber fraud. We are facing immense difficulties. My elder sister's wedding has been put on hold. This job meant a great deal to us; we had worked very hard to secure it,” he said.
Deepak said his dismissal had left him facing financial difficulties and uncertainty over how he would meet family responsibilities.
Ranbir Singh, General Secretary of the association, said the affected personnel belonged to the lower ranks of the BSF and had been recruited after undergoing written examinations, physical tests and document verification.
He argued that responsibility should lie with those who issued fraudulent certificates rather than with recruits who, according to the association, were themselves victims of fraud.
Association President HR Singh said the personnel had served for nearly two years and, in some cases, had received recognition for their work. He also pointed out that some of those dismissed may now face difficulties in finding alternative government employment because of age limits.
“These individuals had secured jobs as cooks, water carriers, and other tradesmen after successfully clearing written exams, physical tests, and document verifications,” he said, urging the government and BSF to consider the matter from a humanitarian perspective.
The association appealed for reinstatement ahead of Diwali, saying the decision would provide relief to around 400 affected families.
It also announced that if no action is taken on its demand, members will begin a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar from October 9.
Retired BSF officer Gajendra Singh Chaudhary also backed the affected personnel, saying the grounds cited for their dismissal required reconsideration.