“It is not a correction, but the destruction of KSHPF officials. It is brought about by institutional inequality, it is discriminatory and harmful to CAPF”, he said.
Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) said that the law weakens institutions.
“Instead of strengthening institutions, this draft law weakens the legislature, undermines the judiciary and limits the role of states,” he said.
CAPF officers wait 15-18 years for a promotion. After a ten-year legal battle, when they got their rights to identity and career advancement, the doors to a high position are again closed to them,” he said, adding that this could affect internal security in the long run.
“This is not a reform but an attempt to control; how the interior ministry is trying to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court and how to capture the leadership of the forces by rewriting the law,” Haque said.
Sanjay Yadav (RJD) highlighted stress-related issues among CAPF personnel, including suicides and voluntary retirements.
The lack of promotion has demoralized them.
Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, he added, “Celebrating a day on Diwali with them will not do them any good. We will have to make rules and regulations so that every day is Diwali for them.”
Sandeep Pathak (AAP) questioned the intention behind the bill.
“CAPF veterans went to court, the government lost. When veterans spoke of contempt, they brought this bill,” he said.
“The question is not whether the House has powers behind the court order. The question is – are you using your power in the right way?” he said, adding that the bill suffers from a “design fault.”
“Field expertise is required. Why were CAPFs formed? If the police or the army had done their job, they would not have been formed,” he said.
Niranjan Bishi (BJD) raised concerns over operational clarity.
“There is jurisdictional confusion with the state police. During joint operations, lack of clarity in the command structure can lead to operational problems,” he said.
Manoj Jha (RJD) said that CAPF personnel are “unsung heroes” but cannot aspire for senior positions in their organizations.
“The highest position in an organization, they can’t even aspire to get there,” he said, adding that there should have been wider consultation with stakeholders.
Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT) said the bill seeks to bring multiple forces under one umbrella law but risks creating resentment.
“This is an attempt to seize command of a force. It is not only against officials, but against the idea of justice.”
Vivek Tankha (Congress) said he “can’t see the point of this bill” and stressed that court rulings must be respected.
Muzibulla Khan (BJD) questioned the rationale behind the legislation despite the high court order.
“What is the obligation that despite the order of the court this bill is being brought? he asked, adding that he seeks to annul the judgment and “it is not a correct step”.
Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan (NC) said that the contribution of CAPFs cannot be neglected.
Congress’s Shaktisinh Gohil said the bill was brought by the government in haste and should be referred to the select committee for further deliberations.
He claimed the proposed legislation would “break the morale” of the central armed police force.
Citing clause 3 of the bill, Gohil said it envisages 50 per cent of posts at the level of inspector general to be filled by deputation from Indian Police Service officers in CAPFs.
It also envisages appointment of a minimum of 67 per cent of the posts to be filled from “outside” in the rank of additional director general and all posts in the ranks of special director general and director general to be filled only with MPs, he said.
“If those who deserve promotion are denied, then there will be frustration and disappointment,” said the Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat.
Gohil also requested the government to have a dialogue with CAPF officers on this.
