New Delhi: Retired soldiers and employees of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are preparing to go on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for their demands. It has been announced to start this movement from November 7 under the banner of the All Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association. The organisation says that it is protesting the recently implemented Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act 2026. Along with this, the demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and reducing the increasing interference of IPS officers coming on deputation in CAPF is also important.
Why did retired soldiers take to the path of movement?
According to the association, due to long-expected action not being taken by the government on their demands, now they have to adopt the path of agitation. Organisation secretary Ranbir Singh alleged that these issues have been continuously ignored. He says that the government should seriously discuss the issues related to the interests of the soldiers and officers of the central forces.
What is the objection to the new CAPF law?
The biggest protest by retired soldiers is regarding the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act 2026. This law came into effect from 9 April 2026. Under this, a legal basis has been given to the appointment of IPS officers on senior posts in the Central Armed Police Forces including CRPF, CISF. The association claims that this may affect the promotion and career prospects of officers of its own cadre of CAPFs.
What is the controversy regarding the appointment of IPS officers?
Under the new provisions, it has come to light that 50 percent of the total IG-level posts of CAPF will be reserved for IPS officers. Apart from this, there is a provision to fill at least 67 percent of ADG posts from IPS officers coming on deputation. Special DG and DG level posts have also been reserved for IPS cadre. Retired soldiers say that this will affect the opportunities for cadre officers serving in CAPF for a long time to reach top positions.
Why did the demand for the old pension scheme arise?
The second major demand of the movement is the restoration of the old pension scheme i.e. OPS. The organisation says that their demands were not given enough importance in the pension system for retired paramilitary employees. The association wants to put pressure on the government regarding this issue. Through a hunger strike, the organisation is preparing to strongly present its demands before the centre.
Are Supreme Court orders also being cited?
The association has also linked its protest to the previous order of the Supreme Court. The organisation claims that the court had directed the Home Ministry to reduce the deputation of IPS officers up to IG level in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB within the stipulated time and conduct cadre review. Retired soldiers allege that the new law may affect the process in that direction. However, these are allegations made by the organisation.
What was the demand made by writing a letter to the home minister?
According to association secretary Ranbir Singh, the organisation had written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding withdrawal of the new law. He claims that no positive response was received from the government on this letter. After this the organisation has decided to start a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from 7th November.
Are there preparations for cross-border movement?
The association says that if concrete initiative is not taken by the government on their demands then the movement can be taken forward. At present, preparations are being made to convey our voice to the government through the proposed hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from 7th November. Retired soldiers say that their experience and service should be given importance and the role of cadre officers in the administrative structure of CAPF should not be weakened.
