New Delhi, April 2, 2026: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, by a voice vote amid protests from Opposition members, who staged a walkout citing the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and demanding greater scrutiny of the legislation.
The Bill, which had been cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (April 1) also through a voice vote after a similar Opposition walkout, seeks to create a unified legal framework for service rules, cadre management, recruitment, and promotions across the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). These include the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. It provides for 50% of Inspector General posts, at least 67% of Additional Director General posts, and all posts at the levels of Special Director General and Director General to be filled by Indian Police Service (IPS) officers on deputation.
Opposition parties, including Congress, SP, and Trinamool Congress, protested strongly in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the Home Minister's absence—he is reportedly campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly elections—and arguing that the Bill should be referred to a select committee for detailed examination. They alleged that the legislation institutionalizes deputation from the IPS, potentially affecting promotion prospects and morale of cadre officers in the CAPFs, and amounts to "institutional injustice." Some members, including Rahul Gandhi, had earlier called for postponing the discussion.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, who replied to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, had defended the Bill, stating that it would resolve inconsistencies in service rules across forces, streamline administration, boost efficiency, and strengthen the country's overall security apparatus by creating an umbrella structure for better coordination. The government maintained that the measure does not undermine the forces but aims to enhance their functioning.
The passage of the Bill in both Houses comes on the final day of the Budget Session, with the government seeking relaxation of rules to take it up promptly in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders have vowed to continue their resistance, with some, including Rahul Gandhi, promising to repeal the law if their alliance comes to power, describing it as discriminatory.
The development has sparked debate on balancing administrative reforms in paramilitary forces with concerns over internal equity and consultation with stakeholders, including senior CAPF officers. The Bill is now set to receive presidential assent after parliamentary clearance.
