Govt to focus on hiring Muslims for central forces

With more than 70,000 vacancies in the seven paramilitary forces, the government is likely to launch special recruitment drives to fill up openings in various ranks with special emphasis on holding the hiring rallies in minority-dominated areas.

The seven paramilitary forces - CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, NSG and Assam Rifles - have more than 70,000 vacancies of which around 42,700 are those of constables, around 25, 200 are for Junior Commissioned Officers and 3,400 for officers.

‘We are planning recruitment drives for the forces and special emphasis will be given on holding recruitment rallies in minority areas to attract more youth from the community,’ a Home Ministry official said.

Representation of minorities in country’s police forces is around 6.5 per cent. The PM’s 15-point programme for welfare of minorities asks states to give special consideration to minorities while recruiting police personnel. A similar recommendation was given by the Sachar Committee. 

As on December 2012, the strength of minorities in CRPF was 23,167, BSF 27,984, CISF 10,436, ITBP 3,951, SSB 4,446, Assam Rifles 8,953 and Intelligence Bureau  2,119.