On 1 April 2026, the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Rajya Sabha, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the recruitment and service conditions of senior officers serving in India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Introduced by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Bill seeks to address long-standing inconsistencies and ambiguities arising from fragmented service rules and judicial interventions, and to provide a uniform administrative framework aligned with the distinct operational and command requirements of CAPFs.
Key Highlights:
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The Bill provides a unified legal framework for CAPFs by removing existing ambiguities, aligning service rules with their operational needs, strengthening command and governance, and formalising coordination with State police through the role of IPS officers.
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It defines key terms such as Central Armed Police Force, Central Government (Ministry of Home Affairs), and Group ‘A’ General Duty Officers (Assistant Commandant and above), and recognises officers from the IPS and the Armed Forces serving on deputation or re-employment.
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Under Section 3, the Central Government is empowered to frame rules governing recruitment, promotion, deputation, and service conditions of CAPF officers.
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Existing recruitment rules for Group ‘A’ General Duty Officers remain valid until modified, ensuring continuity and operational stability.
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The Bill mandates IPS deputation quotas at senior levels:
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50% at Inspector General rank
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Minimum 67% at Additional Director General rank
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100% deputation for Special Director General and Director General posts
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Financial benefits granted, earlier, are protected until new orders are issued.
[Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, passed in Rajya Sabha on 1-4-2026]
