The Indian Army, part of the Ministry of Defence, is one of the largest military forces globally. It operates under the command of the President of India, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. The primary responsibilities of the Indian Army include maintaining peace and security within India’s borders, defending against external threats, and ensuring national unity. Additionally, the Indian Army plays a crucial role in disaster response and rescue operations during natural calamities and other disruptions.
Border Security Force (BSF)
History and Role: The Border Security Force (BSF) is a paramilitary force established on December 1, 1965, to secure India’s borders. Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the BSF is one of the world’s largest border-guarding units. Initially known as the Border Security Force of India and Pakistan (BSFIP), it was reconstituted following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The BSF is tasked with safeguarding India’s borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan and addressing various security issues, including illegal immigration, smuggling, and infiltration attempts.
Key Facts:
- The BSF was formed by merging twenty-five state police border battalions and five of the twelve Indian Reserve battalions.
- It is led by a Director General.
- The BSF comprises 159 battalions with approximately 220,000 personnel.
Rapid Action Force (RAF)
History and Role: The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is a specialized unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), founded on October 7, 1992, to manage riots and public disturbances. Recognized for its rapid response capabilities, the RAF was awarded the President’s Flag on October 7, 2003, by then-Deputy Prime Minister Shri L.K. Advani, in acknowledgment of its contributions. The RAF also provides training for UN peace operations and aims to reassure and secure the public during emergencies.
Key Facts:
- The RAF is led by an Inspector General and comprises 15 battalions numbered from 83, 91, 97, 99 to 108, and 114, with the latest addition being the 194th.
- Each RAF battalion includes female troops to handle situations involving female protesters effectively.
- The RAF’s basic operational units consist of fire, tear gas, and riot control squads.
Differences Between BSF and RAF
Command Structure:
- BSF: Led by a Director General, responsible for border security and internal security issues related to borders.
- RAF: Headed by an Inspector General, focused on handling riots and public disturbances.
Composition and Size:
- BSF: Comprises 159 battalions with around 220,000 personnel, formed from state police battalions and reserve battalions.
- RAF: Consists of 15 specialized battalions, focusing on rapid response to riots and public order situations.
Operational Focus:
- BSF: Primarily concerned with border security, including preventing illegal activities and securing borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- RAF: Specializes in managing public disturbances, riots, and providing rapid response during emergencies.
Both the BSF and RAF play critical roles in ensuring the security and stability of India, each with its distinct focus and operational structure.
