This document summarizes Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3839, addressed to the Minister of Home Affairs on August 12, 2025, concerning the Border Security Force (BSF). The question raises four key points: (a) whether the government considers the BSF a civilian force; (b) steps taken to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to BSF personnel; (c) the extension of honorary ranks to Constables and Sub-Inspectors upon retirement without similar recognition for higher-ranking officers who have served in Naxalite zones; and (d) the implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment regarding Organized Group A Services (OGAS) status for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, responded that: (a) the BSF is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) responsible for border security; (b) the matter of restoring the OPS is currently sub judice and pending before the Supreme Court; (c) the granting of honorary ranks to personnel below officer rank (Constable to Sub-Inspector) upon retirement is intended to boost morale and does not involve financial or pensionary benefits; and (d) the Government of India has filed a review petition regarding the Supreme Court's judgment on OGAS status, which is also currently sub judice.
Key Entities Referenced
Border Security Force: A Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) responsible for border security in India.
Old Pension Scheme: A pension scheme withdrawn in 2004, that personnel are seeking to have restored.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for internal security and law and order.
SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the Old Pension Scheme and related matters.
Naxalite zones: Areas affected by Naxalite insurgency in India.
Supreme Court of India: The highest court in India, where matters related to pension schemes and service benefits are under adjudication.
Central Armed Police Forces: A collective term for the internal security forces of India.
SHRI NITYANAND RAI: Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3839
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12TH AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 21, 1947 (SAKA)
OLD PENSION SCHEME TO BSF
3839. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government considers Border Security Force (BSF) as a
Civilian Force rather than an Armed Force of the Union despite its combat
roles;
(b) the steps taken by the Government to restore the Old Pension Scheme
(OPS) to these personnel, which was withdrawn since 2004;
(c) whether the Ministry of Home Affairs, vide Office Memorandum dated 23
May, 2025, extended honorary ranks to Constables and Sub-Inspectors on
retirement without financial implications but has denied similar honorary
recognitions to Assistant Commandants, Deputy Commandants and
Commandants who have actively served in Naxalite zones and counter-
insurgency operations and if so, why this discriminatory treatment
continues; and
(d) whether the Supreme Court, in its judgment dated 23 May, 2025 has ruled
in favour of granting Organized Group A Services (OGAS) status to CAPFs
and if so, concrete steps have been taken to implement this order?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) Border Security Force (BSF) is one of the Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs) for ensuring the security of the borders of India.-2-
L.S.US.Q.NO. 3839 FOR 12.08.2025
(b) The issue/ matter is presently sub-judice and is pending adjudication
before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
(c) The Government has granted benefits of Honorary Rank (one rank
above the present rank) to Personnel Below Officer Rank (Constable to Sub-
Inspector) on the last day of retirement without any financial or pensionary
benefit in order to instill a sense of self-respect, pride and morale to the
personnel who retire after rendering long meritorious service in the Force.
(d) The Government of India has filed review petition seeking review of
the Judgment dated 23.05.2025 which is presently sub-judice and is pending
adjudication before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
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