67% ADG Posts, 100% Top Ranks For IPS Officers: Centre's New Paramilitary Bill Explained

Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 23:39 IST

The top ranks of Special Director General and Director General "shall be filled by deputation only," the bill copy reviewed by News18 shows.

In a significant move that could reshape leadership structures in India’s paramilitary forces, the Union Government proposed that “fifty per cent of the posts to be filled by deputation in the rank of Inspector General" and “a minimum of sixty-seven per cent of the posts to be filled by deputation in the rank of Additional Director General," according to a bill copy reviewed by News18.

The proposal further states that the top ranks of Special Director General and Director General “shall be filled by deputation only," the bill copy shows. The remaining posts at these levels, by implication, are to be filled by cadre officers of the respective forces, leaving a limited but defined space for internal promotions alongside deputation, as per the bill copy. These provisions form a key part of a new legislative proposal aimed at regulating recruitment and service conditions in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), signalling a major push towards centralised control and uniformity in personnel management.

What Role Do CAPFs Play In India’s Security Architecture?

The proposed framework comes at a time when CAPFs continue to play a crucial role in India’s security architecture. From guarding borders to handling internal disturbances and counter-insurgency operations, these forces remain at the forefront of national security. The draft highlights that CAPFs are “performing important functions of national security and are deployed for securing borders and maintaining internal security of the Union and the States," according to the bill copy.

CAPFs are “primarily armed troops performing armed duties in the field with strict command and control mechanism and a functional hierarchy," the bill copy states. This structure, the government argues, necessitates a specialised legal framework tailored to their unique operational demands.

Why Is A New Framework Being Proposed?

At present, recruitment and service conditions across CAPFs are governed by separate rules framed under different Acts. This fragmented system has often led to inconsistencies and legal disputes. The proposal acknowledges that “regulatory provisions have evolved in a fragmented manner resulting in several litigations on service-related matters," as per the bill copy. To address these challenges, the government has proposed a unified legal framework- an “umbrella law"- to standardise recruitment, promotion, deputation and service conditions across all CAPFs. The objective is to ensure “legislative clarity, preserving its operational distinctiveness and harmonising judicial directions with administrative and federal requirements," the bill copy notes.

How Much Authority Will Central Government Have Over Personnel Policies?

A central feature of the proposal is the expanded authority of the Central Government in managing personnel policies. It empowers the government to “make rules to provide for the method, manner and mode of recruitment including promotion and deputation," according to the bill copy. These rules will override any conflicting laws or court orders, as they will apply “notwithstanding anything contained in any other law… or any judgment, decree or order of any court," the bill copy states.

Why Are IPS Officers Being Formally Included In This Framework?

The formalisation of deputation- especially of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers- emerges as one of the most significant aspects of the proposal. The government has defended this arrangement by stating that IPS officers are “necessary for effective functioning of these forces" and play a key role in maintaining coordination between the Centre and the States, the bill copy highlights. By prescribing fixed deputation quotas, the proposal institutionalises this long-standing system while still retaining a role for cadre officers within the forces. While the government views this balance as essential for administrative cohesion and operational efficiency, it is expected to generate debate over whether the remaining share for cadre officers is sufficient for career progression.

What Happens To Existing Recruitment Rules?

The proposal also provides continuity by allowing existing recruitment rules to remain in force until new rules are notified. It states that these rules “shall continue to be in force unless and until they are modified, amended, rescinded or superseded," the bill copy says. In addition, the government is empowered to amend schedules related to CAPFs and their recruitment rules through notifications, although such changes must be placed before Parliament, the bill copy indicates.

The framework further grants rule-making powers to the Central Government for implementing the law, with all such rules subject to parliamentary scrutiny, ensuring accountability. To deal with potential implementation challenges, the proposal includes a clause allowing the government to remove difficulties during the initial phase. However, this power is limited to a period of three years, the bill copy notes.

What Is The Broader Rationale And Financial Implication Of The Proposal?

The broader rationale behind the proposal lies in the need to modernise the governance of CAPFs in response to evolving security challenges. The government has stressed the importance of coordination between central and state authorities, noting the need for “ensuring close coordination between the Union and the States" for effective functioning of these forces, the bill copy states. Importantly, the proposal does not involve any additional financial burden. It explicitly states that the provisions “do not involve any expenditure, either recurring or non-recurring, from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India," the bill copy confirms.

However, the deputation provisions- particularly the requirement of at least 67 per cent deputation at the Additional Director General level- are likely to remain a key point of debate as the proposal moves forward. If enacted, the legislation could mark a major shift in the governance of India’s paramilitary forces, aligning administrative systems with operational realities while reinforcing central oversight in matters of internal security.

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