Border Security Force (BSF): Objectives & Functions

From Prelims Sureshots » Government Bodies & Agencies

• India’s border guarding organisation on its border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• raised in the wake of the 1965 war in 1965, “for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters connected there with”.
• It has various active roles during an outbreak of war.
• It is the only CAPF to have a Water Wing, Air Wing and an Artillery Regiment.
• It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It currently stands as the world’s largest border guarding force.
• BSF has been termed as the First Line of Defence of Indian territories

This topic of “Border Security Force (BSF): Objectives & Functions” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.

Functions

During peacetime

• Border guard and security.
• Prevention trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
• Prevention of smuggling and any other illegal activities on the border.
• Anti-infiltration duties.
• Collection trans-border intelligence.
• To promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.

During war time

• Holding ground in assigned sectors.
• Limited aggressive action against irregular forces of the enemy.
• Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administered under the Army’s control.
• Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.
• Assistance in control of refugees.
• Provision of escorts.
• Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including cross-border raids.
• Replenishing manpower.

BSF is also employed for Internal Security Duties and other law and order duties on the requisition of the State Government. Being a Central Armed Police Force it can be entrusted with policing duties at any place apart from its mandate.