The Alliance of All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association (AAPWA) has strongly opposed the implementation of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, terming it a 'draconian' and 'black law.' The association has demanded the immediate restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) for paramilitary personnel.
Peaceful Protest Announced
AAPWA announced a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on May 6, where thousands of paramilitary families are expected to gather. The demonstration aims to demand the withdrawal of the Act and the restoration of OPS. According to AAPWA president and retired Additional Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), H R Singh, nearly 20 lakh families associated with paramilitary forces are backing the agitation.
Concerns Over the Act
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Saturday, Singh expressed deep concern over the passage of the Act by Parliament, despite a Supreme Court verdict dated May 23 last year. The ruling upheld time-bound promotion rights for around 13,000 Organised Group ‘A' Service (OGAS) officers in the CAPFs. Singh alleged that the new law undermines these rights and ignores the longstanding demands of personnel.
Challenges Faced by CAPF Personnel
Highlighting the challenges faced by CAPF personnel, Singh noted that despite ensuring security from Parliament to borders, paramilitary forces are often forced to approach courts for issues related to pensions, promotions, and service conditions. AAPWA treasurer V S Kadam urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to establish a paramilitary welfare board for the welfare and rehabilitation of families in the state.
Calls for Separate Ministry
Former ITBP IG Anand Nibadia called for the creation of a separate ministry for Central Security Forces to ensure focused policymaking and address their unique concerns. He stressed that personnel endure long separations from families while serving in difficult conditions. Former BSF IG Vikas Chandra questioned the classification of BSF as a civilian force and raised concerns over IPS officers heading such forces without adequate field experience.
