New Delhi, 02 April (H.S.):

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, days after the Rajya Sabha had approved it. With this, the Bill has been cleared by both Houses of Parliament. The legislation is intended to bring clarity and uniformity to the appointment and administrative framework for senior officers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), which currently operate under separate service statutes.

Addressing the House after the debate, Union Home Minister of State Nityanand Rai said the Bill will strengthen India’s security architecture. He explained that once enacted, it will improve coordination between CAPFs and state police forces, thereby enhancing speed, efficiency, and effectiveness in the handling of security‑related matters.

The government also asserted that the Law will reinforce the federal structure by establishing a more harmonious relationship between CAPFs, state police and state administrations.

However, the opposition sharply criticised the move. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra raised serious concerns, warning that the Bill could undermine morale within the CAPF cadre. Citing a Supreme Court judgment that had directed the government to progressively reduce the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the CAPFs, she accused the executive of bypassing judicial directions through this legislation. Moitra also drew attention to reported cases of suicides among CAPF personnel, calling for greater attention to the mental‑health and welfare conditions of the forces.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav alleged that the Bill was introduced and passed without adequate consultation with CAPF representatives, arguing that officers who directly serve in the field should have been involved in the drafting process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar