Ex-paramilitary personnel protest against CAPF Bill

The demonstrators, under the banner of the Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association, demanded withdrawal of the Bill and warned of intensifying their agitation if the Prime Minister or the Home Minister failed to call them for consultations over what they described as the “Black Bill”.

Although Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to introduce the Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, as per the day’s business, it was not taken up in the Upper House.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien accused the government of failing to provide the mandatory “48-hour advance notice” for the Bill’s introduction, prompting party MPs to walk out of the House in protest. “This Bill is under the Home Ministry. The Home Ministry should ensure that this happens in Parliament,” he said.

Meanwhile, the protesting ex-personnel argued that despite a Supreme Court order in May 2025 directing the government to gradually reduce IPS deputations in the CAPFs and to carry out a cadre review within six months, the Centre was now attempting to legislate permanent deputation of IPS officers to top CAPF posts.

They contended that while the Home Minister praised the selfless service of paramilitary personnel, the proposed Bill would undermine career progression for CAPF officers. “On one hand, they laud our sacrifices, and on the other, they deal a blow to our promotions through this Black Bill,” the protestors said.

Hundreds of former paramilitary personnel on Monday protested in the national capital against the introduction of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, which aims to codify appointment of IPS officers on deputation to top positions in all the four forces namely BSF, CRPF, ITBP and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The protestors under the aegis of the Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association, sought revocation of the bill and threatened to intensify their protests if the Prime Minister or the Home Minister don't call them for consultations over what they termed the 'Black Bill".

Incidentally though the bill, which was to be introduced in Rajya Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday as per the day's business, was not taken up by the Upper House.

Trinamool Congress leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’ Brien accused the government of not giving “48-hour advance notice” for the proposed introduction of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, with the party MPs walking out of the House in protest.

Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha, the TMC leader said that while the CAPF Bill is listed for introduction, members “did not receive 48-hour advance notice”.

“This Bill is under the Home Ministry. The Home Ministry should ensure that this happens in Parliament,” he said. TMC MPs later staged a walkout from the House.

Meanwhile the protesting former and retired paramilitary forces' personnel said that despite the Supreme Court order in May 2025 which had directed the Government to gradually reduce the IPS officers’ deputation in the CAPFs and also asked for a cadre review to be carried out in six months, the Centre was now bringing a bill which will ensure fixation of IPS officers' deputation on top CAPF posts.

On one hand the Home Minister praises the selfless services of paramilitary personnel and on other hand, they are delving a blow to promotions of CAPF officers through the proposed 'Black Bill', the protestors said.