Retired soldiers and employees of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are going to start a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from November 7 to press for their various demands. This protest will be organized under the banner of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association. The protesters are protesting against the recently enacted Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 relating to the Central Armed Police Forces including CRPF, CISF. This Act came into force on 9 April 2026.
Demand to restore the old pension scheme
The major demands of retired soldiers include re-implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). He says that the soldiers and employees of the central forces should get the benefits of the old pension system. Apart from this, the protesters are also protesting against the increasing dominance of IPS officers coming on deputation in the central forces. He says that the forces' own officers should get an adequate role in the administration and operations of the CAPF.
Government accused of ignoring demands
Ranbir Singh, secretary of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association, alleged that the central government has been ignoring their demands for a long time. He said that in such a situation the organization is left with no option but to protest. Ranbir Singh demanded withdrawal of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, calling it a 'black law'. He said that the organization will hold a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from November 7 demanding the repeal of this law and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
He told that in this regard a letter was written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding repeal of the law, but no positive response was received from the government. Ranbir Singh said that if priority is given to the bureaucrats coming on deputation instead of the experience and expertise of the soldiers and officers who have been serving for a long time in the central forces, then it will be difficult for the force personnel to serve with self-respect.
What is the Central Armed Police Forces Act 2026?
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 was brought into force from 9 April 2026. Under this law, a legal basis has been given to the appointment of IPS officers coming on deputation to senior posts in the Central Armed Police Forces including CRPF, CISF. Under the new Act, 50 percent of the total IG posts in CAPF will be reserved for IPS officers. Apart from this, at least 67 percent ADG posts will be filled through IPS officers coming on deputation. At the same time, all the special DG and DG posts of CAPF have been reserved for IPS cadre. This has paved the way for increasing the role of IPS officers in senior leadership positions of the central forces.
50% limit on DIG posts removed
In the Act, the earlier applicable limit of 50 per cent on DIG posts for Group-A CAPF officers has been removed. This may further increase the scope for appointment of IPS officers. Earlier, such appointments of IPS officers to senior posts were made mainly through executive orders. After the new law, these appointments have got a legal basis.
Allegation of disobeying Supreme Court order
The All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association has alleged that the Central Government has invoked the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 to neutralize the previous order of the Supreme Court. According to the association, the Supreme Court had last year directed the Home Ministry to reduce the number of IPS officers posted on deputation up to IG level in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB in a phased manner within two years. Also, the court had directed to complete the cadre review of CAPF within six months.
Government accused of not implementing orders
Association Secretary Ranbir Singh alleges that instead of implementing the directions of the Supreme Court, the Home Ministry implemented a new law. He says that through this law an attempt has been made to maintain the dominance of IPS officers in the central forces. According to Ranbir Singh, this may affect the opportunities of promotion to senior posts for CAPF's own cadre officers. He said that in protest against this, retired soldiers and officers are now preparing to intensify the movement.
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