**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to Unstarred Question No. 488 in Lok Sabha concerning the modernization of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). It provides details on the steps taken to modernize SSB, including procurement of advanced surveillance systems, funds allocated and utilised for modernization, and efforts to strengthen SSB's manpower and operational capacity. The answer was provided on February 3rd, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Modernization of SSB:**
* Procured Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Hand Held Thermal Imager, CCTV Surveillance Setup with Automatic Face Recognition System with Auto Number Plate Recognition and Satellite phones.
* Modernization Plan for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including SSB, is implemented to improve efficiency and performance.
* **Timeline for Modernization:**
* Modernization of forces and procurement of state-of-the-art equipment is an ongoing process; no specific timeline can be given.
* **Funding for Modernization and Infrastructure Development:**
* From 2015-16 to 2025-26, SSB was allotted Rs. 5001.63 Crore, out of which Rs. 4775.11 Crore has been spent.
* From 2013 to 31.03.2026, SSB was allotted Rs. 241.15 Crore and spent Rs. 210.02 Crore under Modernization Plans II, III, and IV.
* **Strengthening Manpower and Operational Capacity:**
* Human Resource requirements and capacity building are assessed dynamically.
* Actions include conducting timely DPCs, filling direct recruitment posts, in-house recruitment for non-GD cadres, and filling vacancies through deputation.
* Training programmes include Drone Pilot Training, Special Communication Equipment Training, and Yoga Training to enhance operational capacity.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)**
* **Impact:** Benefit from modernized equipment and increased operational capabilities due to government initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Utilize newly procured equipment, participate in training programs, and efficiently manage allocated funds for modernization and infrastructure development.
Key Entities Referenced
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Central Armed Police Force of India, the subject of modernization efforts.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The ministry responsible for overseeing the Sashastra Seema Bal and its modernization.
Modernization Plan: A Central Sector Scheme aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the SSB.
Drone Destination Gurugram (Haryana): Location where SSB personnel receive Drone Pilot Training.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 488
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3RD FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 14, 1947 (SAKA)
MODERNIZATION OF SASHASTRA SEEMA BAL
488. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the steps taken by the Government to modernise the
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), including introduction of advanced surveillance
systems such as drones, anti-drone technology, thermal imaging equipment,
and modern communication tools;
(b) the time period within which the ongoing and proposed modernisation
initiatives for SSB are expected to be completed;
(c) the total funds allocated and utilised for modernisation and infrastructure
development of SSB during the last ten financial years, including the current
financial year; and
(d) whether the Government has fixed any specific targets to strengthen
SSB’s manpower, training, and operational capacity under these
modernisation programmes?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a): Moving towards modernization, Sashastra Seema Bal has procured the
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Hand Held
Thermal Imager, CCTV Surveillance Setup with Automatic Face Recognition
System with Auto Number Plate Recognition and Satellite phones for
surveillance and modernization of the Force.-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 488 FOR 03.02.2026
Besides above, a Central Sector Scheme namely, Modernization Plan for
all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including Sashastra Seema
Bal(SSB) has been implemented with an objective to improve the efficiency
and performance of each CAPF by enhancing their capabilities through
induction of latest and State of the art equipment in the areas of weaponry,
communication, protective gears, surveillance and border guarding systems,
training items, armored vehicles and special transport vehicles.
(b): Modernization of forces and procurement of the latest and State of the
art equipment is an ongoing process. So specific timeline can not be given.
(c): For the modernization and infrastructure development, during last ten
years i.e. starting from the year 2015-16 to 2025-26 i.e including current
financial year, Sashastra Seema Bal has been allotted Rs.5001.63 Crore and
out of that Rs.4775.11 Crore have been spent so far and till the completion of
this financial year on 31.03.2026 more fund will be utilized.
During the period from 2013 to the current ongoing Modernization Plan-
IV upto 31.03.2026, Sashastra Seema Bal has been allotted Rs.241.15 Crore
under the Modernization Plan-II, III and IV and spent Rs.210.02 Crore for
procurement of various types of latest and State of the art equipment in the-3-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 488 FOR 03.02.2026
areas of weaponry, communication, protective gears, surveillance and border
guarding systems, training items, armored vehicles and special transport
vehicles.
(d): Human Resource requirement and capacity building is a dynamic one
and hence no specific target kept. It is assessed as and when needed and
provided accordingly. To strengthen SSB’s manpower (i) timely DPCs as per
recruitment rules are conducted to fill vacancies against promotion quota (ii)
direct recruitment posts are notified and filled through SSC/UPSC/
MOSB/Departmentally (iii) to fill non-GD cadres in house recruitment are
timely conducted and (iv) some vacancies are filled up through deputation.
Further, SSB conducts training programme of the Force personnel as
per requirement of the Force and also as and when latest and State of the Art
equipment are adopted by the Force to enhance the operational capacity of
the Force. SSB has also sent its personnel for taking the Drone Pilot Training
at Drone Destination Gurugram (Haryana) which is an approved institute by
Director General of Civil Aviation, Special Communication Equipment Training
at Border Security Force (BSF) and Yoga Training programme at Morarji Desai
National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi. These modern training programmes will
strengthen the operational capacity of the Force.
******