In a significant development, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has increased the age limit for Deputy Commandant-level officers amid acute shortage of young officers for its specialised anti-Naxal force, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). The shortage of officers has forced the largest paramilitary force in the country to approve the decision to raise the age limit for deputy commandants, making fitness maintenance a daunting task.
A communication from the CRPF explains the reason behind the decision. “Considering the shortage of eligible Deputy Commandants in the age group of below 43 years, Competent Authority has accorded approval for enhancement of age from 43 to 45 years for induction into CoBRA Units.”
The communication has emphasised that willingness alone would not be a criterion for suitability assessment for posting to CoBRA units. The letter also outlined the need for Boards of Officers to be constituted at Unit/Office/Sector level for the timely assessment of the suitability of Deputy Commandants. It urged units to update recommendations in a timely manner through the designated system.
Few officers have lamented that due to the lack of timely promotions, young officers are not eligible for the commander-level posts. The stagnation issue has now started denting the elite unit severely, forcing the CRPF to deploy older officers.
Before 2019, the maximum age for assistant commandant rank officials to join CoBRA was capped at 30 years. But later, this age limit was extended to below 40, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the force.
Similarly, for officers at the deputy commandant level, the age limit for induction into CoBRA has experienced an upward shift. Previously, it was set at 38, but has now been extended to 45, posing a new set of challenges for maintaining the high level of fitness required for the unit.
In a recent meeting, DG SL Thaosen, while talking about improving operational capabilities in Left-Wing Extremism areas, stated that populace coverage should always be preferred over area coverage during establishment of camps in LWE areas. He also stressed that there are large number
of areas to work on for achieving desired operational results. Adopting aggressive strategy, capacity building in IED detection, small team operations, training of officers and conducting of drone workshops was also discussed.
The force is now tasked with the challenge of ensuring that its officers, despite the extended age limits, maintain the peak physical condition necessary for operations against Naxal groups. As the CRPF navigates these changes, the effectiveness and adaptability of CoBRA in anti-Naxal operations will be closely watched.
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