CAPF Bill proposes to formalise deputation of IPS officers at senior ranks

New Delhi: In a significant overhaul of the leadership structure of central armed police forces (CAPFs), the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, slated for introduction in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, proposes to formalise the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers at senior ranks - redefining the balance of leadership at the top and potentially influencing career progression pathways for cadre officers.

Currently, IPS officers hold approximately 20% of deputy inspector general (DIG) posts and 50% of inspector general (IG) posts in CAPFs under executive orders. However, the DIG posts remained vacant. Union home minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce the bill in the Rajya Sabha.

The bill not only gives statutory backing to this arrangement but enhances it by mandating 50% of IG posts, a minimum of 67% of additional director general (ADG) posts and 100% of special director general (SDG) and director general (DG) posts to be filled through deputation. The move is expected to shape promotion dynamics within the CAPF cadre.


Significantly, the bill includes an overriding provision stating that its rules will apply "notwithstanding anything contained in any judgement, decree or order of any court". This effectively enables it to supersede directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, which in May 2025 had asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to progressively reduce IPS deputation in CAPFs and increase representation of cadre officers. The Centre's review plea against that order was rejected in October 2025, after which it indicated plans for a statutory route.

The statement of objects and reasons justifies the continued role of IPS officers, noting that CAPFs perform "functions relating to national security and anti-insurgency in close coordination with the state authorities". It adds that "in the interest of maintaining Centre-State relations...it is essential to maintain the existing system of deputation of the Indian Police Service Officers".

Meanwhile, Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association on Friday demanded that the bill be "referred to the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs for detailed examination".

During a press conference, former additional DG, BSF SK Sood, said, "The issue assumes particular significance as it concerns the central armed police forces (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF and SSB) and directly impacts approximately 12,500 executive cadre officers, who provide leadership to nearly 10 lakh personnel deployed across diverse operational roles, including internal security, border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and disaster management."