Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai told the Parliament that there are currently 84,106 vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) as of 1st July 2024. This number stands against a total sanctioned strength of 10,45,751. Rai emphasised that filling these vacancies is an ongoing process, with the Ministry actively taking steps to expedite recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and the concerned forces.
Rai was answering to questions by Rajya Sabha Member C. Ve. Shanmugam in the Upper House.
Between April 2023 and February 2024, a total of 67,345 individuals were recruited. Additionally, 64,091 vacancies have been notified and are in various stages of recruitment. Given the substantial number of personnel already in service, the question of overtime does not arise, according to the Minister.
To address the vacancies, several measures have been implemented. These include annual recruitment for the post of Constable (General Duty), facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SSC. A Nodal Force has been designated for coordinating the recruitment of Constable (General Duty), Sub-Inspector (GD), and Assistant Commandant (General Duty) on a long-term basis. All CAPFs and AR have been directed to undertake recruitment for Non-General Duty posts promptly.
Moreover, timely Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings are held to fill promotional vacancies. The time taken for medical examinations has been reduced to hasten the recruitment process. To ensure sufficient candidates, especially in categories with shortfalls, the cut-off marks for shortlisting candidates for Constable/GD positions have been lowered.
A significant policy decision has been made to reserve 10% of vacancies for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment for the post of Constable (General Duty)/Rifleman in CAPFs and AR. Additionally, provisions have been introduced for age relaxation and exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test for these candidates, the minister said.
