The Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF), the largest paramilitary force in the world, is struggling to meet the demand for deployment of personnel on election duty during the April-June parliamentary polls, News18 has learnt. Sources said the force has now suspended training sessions, is cancelling non-emergency leave and will rope in troops from its sports teams to meet the demand.
India will vote to elect the 18th Lok Sabha in seven phases of polling between April 19 and June 1. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will simultaneously vote in Assembly elections as well. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Despite mobilizing all available resources, the CRPF is reportedly yet to provide a significant number of companies. According to internal communications reviewed by News18, the force has suspended trainings and other sessions, and has also sought troops from its central sports teams. Similarly, leaves for specific troops will not be approved barring cases of acute emergency, top sources in the CRPF said.
A senior official also mentioned that, if necessary, the top brass will consider deploying its specialized units to polling stations. But a decision has not yet been made, the official added.
The CRPF is yet to respond to News18’s request for a comment.
Quoting from an official document, a top official told News18: “For the upcoming general elections, the CRPF has been asked to provide a large chunk of companies for election duties, and the number of companies indicated so far exceeds the expected numbers. All available options are being explored to meet the scale of companies earmarked for the CRPF.”
“To supplement efforts in this direction, the competent authority has approved measures for the next two months. The Assistant Commandant Tech course presently running at CTC T&IT Ranchi is also suspended for the next two months. Assistant Commandants who are undergoing training will report to their respective units for election duties,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the central sports teams have also been directed to spare personnel for election duties. “The manpower of central sports teams may be utilized by GCs (group centres) and Sectors for the next two months in the best possible way to augment the election duty apparatus,” another official said.
In another communication, the CRPF has stated that “the MHA has ordered CRPF to provide a massive number of companies for GPE-2024. Even after mobilizing all our resources, we are yet to provide a significant number of companies. To meet the shortfall, the following measures have been decided.”
The communication discusses the utilization of services of recruits who have undergone at least 22 weeks of basic training for security duties and administrative tasks of Sector Headquarters and Group Centers.
“Correspondingly, Sector Headquarters and Group Centers will divert the existing strength of their respective establishments for deployment during the elections. Recruit Training Centers are accordingly requested to provide recruits under the command of an appropriate rank official to various Sectors/GCs in the following manner for the given purpose,” an official said, quoting another document.
Sources told News18 that CRPF troops have been diverted for elections in areas such as J&K and Naxal-hit regions while the top brass is constantly juggling requirements from different companies. Though officials did not reveal the exact number of troops sought by the Ministry of Home Affairs, they mentioned that this time the figure exceeds expectations. Additionally, deployment this time would focus mainly on West Bengal and J&K, followed by Naxal-hit areas.
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