New Delhi, October 17: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is considering reintroducing the Army ranks of Lance Naik and Naik, nearly three decades after they were abolished, in a move aimed at addressing promotion delays and improving career opportunities for personnel.
Officials said the CRPF headquarters has asked field formations across the country to hold meetings, known as ‘Sainik Sammelans’, and gather feedback from personnel on the proposed changes within two days.
The two ranks were abolished in the CRPF in 1997 following a Ministry of Home Affairs order that merged them with the police ranks of constable and head constable. However, Lance Naik and Naik continue to remain operational ranks in the Indian Army.
Under the existing promotion structure, a CRPF constable may have to wait an average of 22 to 25 years for the first promotion, officials said. The force, which has approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, has been facing significant stagnation in its lower ranks, leading to dissatisfaction among jawans.
The proposed reintroduction of the two ranks is expected to provide additional promotion opportunities before personnel reach the head constable level. Officials believe the move could help address grievances and improve morale.
Agniveers Also in Focus
The proposal is also being considered in the context of making the CRPF more attractive to former Agniveers joining the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Agniveers are personnel recruited into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a four-year term under the Centre’s Agnipath scheme. The first batch is expected to begin completing its service tenure later this year, making eligible personnel available for recruitment into CAPFs, including the CRPF.
At present, the CAPFs have an interim arrangement under which some constables wear insignia corresponding to a senior constable-level designation similar to Lance Naik. However, there is no equivalent arrangement for the Naik rank.
Ranbir Singh, Secretary General of the Ex-Paramilitary Personnel Association, said the proposal would benefit personnel only if it resulted in time-bound promotions. Otherwise, he warned, the exercise could fail to address the underlying problem.
A senior CRPF commandant also stressed that restoring the ranks should not be merely a cosmetic change and must preserve discipline and operational efficiency within battalions.
The CRPF and the Border Security Force (BSF) had previously maintained these ranks on the lines of the Army’s infantry battalions.
Officials noted that CRPF battalions typically comprise more than 1,000 personnel, including over 20 subordinate officers. Any changes to the rank structure would therefore need to account for the existing hierarchy, regimentation and operational requirements of the force.
The proposal remains under consideration, with feedback from personnel expected to help determine the way forward.
