Having no option left for any prevarication, the Union Government finally decided to act on the Supreme Court’s verdict, given about seven months back in May, regarding the cadre review of the Group A officers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The Centre at last issued an order on Friday directing all six CAPFs to conduct a cadre review of their Group A officers and submit detailed review proposals within a month. A comprehensive cadre review has been due since 2021.

A copy of the MHA order was sent to the chief of the six CAPFs—Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Assam Rifles.

This process will include officers from the rank of Assistant Commandant to Inspector General. The Supreme Court, in its order in May, had ordered a progressive decline in the number of IPS officers being deputed to the CAPFs within two years.

This move is being widely hailed by the CAPF’s officers. They describe this time-bound requirement of cadre review proposals as a long-overdue move, essential to address the pertinent issues of structural imbalances and stagnation in the forces.

According to a CAPF official, this exercise will enhance officers’ promotional avenues, command hierarchy, and long-term career progression.

Under this exercise, data on Group A officers would be compiled, along with proposals on how to improve the situation of stagnation at a particular post in CAPFs.

The Supreme Court, in its judgement in May, had ordered a cadre review within six months and a phased reduction in the deputation of IPS officers up to the rank of Inspector General in the CAPFs.

The Centre later filed a review petition, but the apex court refused to review its earlier order directing the government to reduce the number of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers serving on deputation in the CAPFs.