Why the CAPFs Are Headed by IPS Officers: The Role and Impact of Leadership

The appointment of an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer as the Director General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is a strategic decision rooted in the necessity for specialized leadership in security management.

The Role of IPS Officers in CAPFs

IPS officers are appointed as the heads of CAPFs due to their extensive experience and expertise in handling internal security matters, law enforcement, and managing large paramilitary forces. These are the primary functions of CAPFs, which require a high level of skill and knowledge to be effectively fulfilled.

The CAPF Appointment Context and Requirements

Some individuals, such as , believe that the posts of DG and ADGP are not for combat operations but for management. The CAPF recruitment process is considered easier than that of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) CSE, and the IPS officers often receive additional training in physical intelligence management, handling insurgency, and decision-making skills. In contrast, CAPFs focus more on physical and insurgency-related training.

Historical Context and Leadership Dynamics

When CAPFs were initially formed, it was intended that they would be headed by IPS officers for a certain period to allow the force to mature and develop its own cadre. However, IPS officers saw these positions as opportunities, leading to the creation of more DG ranks for their cadre. This has resulted in an internal conflict, with IPS officers wanting to lead while cadre officers have no desire for IPS officers to take these roles.

Service Rules and Deputation Practices

According to current service rules and recruitment rules, some positions in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers. For example, at the DIG rank, 20 positions are reserved; at the IG rank, 50 positions; at the ADG rank, 80 positions; and above 100 positions. These roles are considered plum postings, primarily due to their policy-making nature, which attracts IPS officers.

In this context, some CAPF officers do not prefer having IPS officers as their superiors and have even won cases at the Supreme Court, granting CAPFs OGAS (On-Going Academic Services) status. This restricts the deputation of IPS officers up to the IG rank and opens avenues for cadre officers to go on central deputation. If OGAS is fully implemented, we can expect to see fewer IPS officers joining CAPFs.

Summarily, the appointment of IPS officers as heads of CAPFs is driven by the need for specialized leadership and expertise in law enforcement and internal security. The current dynamics highlight the internal competition and the evolving understanding of the roles within the force structure.