CRPF

Here’s a detailed overview of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) — India’s primary internal security agency 🛡️:

🏢 What Is CRPF?

The Central Reserve Police Force is a central armed police force under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, established as Crown Representative’s Police on 27 July 1939, and renamed the CRPF on 28 December 1949 .
It is the largest paramilitary force in India, organized into over 246 battalions, including executive, Mahila (women), Rapid Action Force (RAF), CoBRA units, signal, and parliamentary/security groups

🎯 Mission & Roles

Motto: “सेवा और निष्ठा” (“Service and Loyalty”)
Core responsibilities: law & order, crowd control, anti‑terror operations, anti‑Maoist (Left-Wing Extremism) actions, election security, VIP protection, disaster relief, and UN peacekeeping missions

🏗️ Structure & Strength

As of mid‑2025, CRPF has over 313,000 active personnel, led by Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh, who assumed command on 30 January 2025
It comprises multiple formations: Group Centres, Training Institutions, Composite Hospitals, Weapon Workshops, and specialized units including:
- CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action): jungle warfare and anti‑Naxal operations (~10 battalions)
- Rapid Action Force (RAF): specialized riot control wing (~15–16 battalions)

🪖 Operational Highlights

Valour Day (9 Apr) commemorates April 9, 1965 when two CRPF companies successfully repelled a Pakistan Army brigade at Sardar Post in Kutch
Police Commemoration Day (21 Oct) honors the ten CRPF personnel killed in Ladakh in 1959 during a Chinese incursion
Pulwama Terror Attack (14 Feb 2019) saw 40 CRPF personnel killed in a suicide bombing in Jammu & Kashmir
Anti-Naxal success: In 2025’s Operation Black Forest, CRPF alongside other forces neutralized and secured strongholds of Naxalite insurgents along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border

👥 Community & Humanitarian Engagement

CRPF has initiated community outreach programs, including establishing “Gurukul” schools in formerly Maoist‑controlled villages like Sukma to educate >100 children
In Jamshedpur, CRPF inaugurated 500 family quarters, a 20-bed hospital, and amenities for personnel welfare. The force is praised for its role in restoring peace and supporting elections across multiple regions
A CRPF jawan donated blood to critically ill patients in Nagaland, demonstrating strong community engagement and compassion on the ground

⚠️ Current Challenges

As of July 2025, over 100,000 vacancies exist across India’s paramilitary forces—with CRPF having the most unfilled positions. Efforts are underway to expedite recruitment and ease eligibility criteria
On 29 July 2025, a CRPF jawan was tragically shot dead in Sonipat, Haryana, highlighting ongoing security challenges even in non-combat settings
The 87th CRPF Raising Day was celebrated on 27–28 July 2025 across India with events like cycle rallies, tree plantations, and ceremonial tributes to fallen heroes

📋 Quick Facts

Metric	Details
Established	27 July 1939 (as CRP), renamed 28 December 1949
Strength	~313,000+ personnel (2025)
Battalions	~246 total: 208 executive, 6 Mahila, 10 CoBRA, 15 RAF, others
Director General	Gyanendra Pratap Singh (since 30 Jan 2025)
Key Units	CoBRA (anti-insurgency), RAF (riot control)
Major Roles	Internal security, elections, emergencies, remote community development

✅ Summary

The CRPF is India’s primary internal security force with a legacy spanning over 85 years. It plays a critical role in maintaining peace, countering insurgency, and supporting civilian welfare and development. It continues to evolve amidst challenges like manpower gaps, regional unrest, and diverse operational demands—all while upholding its motto of service and loyalty.