In a rare move, an Indian Army lieutenant colonel joins the CRPF after the MHA approves a commandant-level deputation.

In an extremely unprecedented action, the Home Ministry has approved the appointment of an Indian Army officer to the rank of Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

A Lieutenant Colonel-level official from the military engineering services has joined the paramilitary group, according to a communication.

Lt Colonel Vinit Kumar Tiwary will serve for the CRPF on a deputation basis for the first three years from the date of joining the force to fill the position of Commandant (Engineer) in the force.

“The officer was removed of his duties as Headquarter Commander Works Engineer, Military Engineering Services, and was sent to the Directorate General, CRPF, New Delhi, on a three-year deputation until April 12, 2025.” As a result, he has been promoted to the rank of Commandant (Engineer) in the CRPF, according to the official announcement.

“The officer is obligated to follow by the CRPF norms as well as CCS Rules, regulations, and other directives as applicable from time to time,” the communication read while outlining the conditions of service. On the grounds of unsuitability, indiscipline, and the necessity of services, as well as if any act or unforeseen reasons so demand, the officer’s deputation is liable to premature repatriation.”

While the move has drawn criticism from officers who question the need for such deputation, a few CRPF voices argue it may offer up new opportunities for them as well.

“In the CRPF, there is already enormous stagnation at all levels. A CRPF official stated, “There should be promotions so that the force may have officials at the commandant and deputy commandant level.”

“It’s fantastic that inter-force deputation has started,” another officer said. We hope that, in the same way that a CRPF officer can join the army or any other armed force, a CRPF officer can join the army or any other armed force.”

The CRPF occasionally has openings in its engineering wing for various armed forces officers and state officers. In August of last year, the CRPF published a notification seeking state and armed services personnel from the navy, army, and air force to fill openings in the engineering wing at the commandant and deputy commandant levels. However, no officer from the armed services has ever served in the CRPF.