About Central Reserve Police Force:
- It is a premier central police force of the Union of India, entrusted with the critical task of maintaining internal security.
- It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.
- Historical Background:
- It was initially established as the Crown Representative’s Police on July 27, 1939, in response to escalating political turmoil and unrest within the princely states.
- Post-independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949.
- The force is headed by a Director General and is further divided into four zones located in Jammu, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, each under the command of Special Directors General (DGs).
- Key Functions of Central Reserve Police Force:
- Crowd Control and Riot Control: CRPF personnel are trained in crowd management techniques to handle large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: CRPF personnel are dedicated to protecting critical Central and State Government facilities, especially in insurgency-affected regions.
- UN Peacekeeping Missions: CRPF personnel have a commendable record of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts under the UN flag.
- Disaster Management: The force actively participates in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.
- Special Units of Central Reserve Police Force:
- Rapid Action Force (RAF):The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is a specialized unit of the CRPF established in October 1992 to handle riots and public disturbances.
- Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA): The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialized unit created to conduct guerrilla and jungle warfare operations.
- Mahila Battalions: The CRPF is the only paramilitary force in India with six all-women battalions.
