Paramilitary forces to launch recruitment drives, emphasis on minorities

Paramilitary forces are likely to launch special recruitment drives to fill up more than 70,000 vacancies in various ranks with special emphasise on holding the hiring rallies in minority-dominated areas.

The seven paramilitary forces, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, NSG and Assam Rifles, have more than 70,000 vacancies of which around 42,700 are those of constables, around 25,200 Junior Commissioned Officers and 3,400 officers.

"We are planning recruitment drives for the forces and special emphasise will be given on holding recruitment rallies in minority areas to attract more youth from the community," a Home Ministry official said.

Paramilitary forces to launch recruitment drives, emphasis on minorities

Representation of minorities in country's police forces is around 6.5 per cent. The Prime Minister's 15-point programme for welfare of minorities asks states to give special consideration to minorities while recruiting police personnel. A similar recommendation was given by the Sachar Committee.

As on December 2012, the strength of minorities in CRPF was 23,167, BSF - 27,984, CISF - 10,436, ITBP - 3,951, SSB - 4,446, Assam Rifles - 8,953 and Intelligence Bureau - 2,119.

The total authorised strength of CRPF is 1,97,796, BSF - 2,43,161, CISF - 1,30,905, ITBP - 78,022, SSB - 80,697 and Assam Rifles - 66,412.

In 2007, there were 1.01 lakh minorities in country's police forces out of 13.4 lakh strong force -- which was 7.55 per cent of the total strength.

In 2012, the number of police personnel has increased to 16.7 lakh -- an increase of 24 per cent. But, representation of minorities fell by one percentage point to 6.5 per cent.