Overview
- The CRPF headquarters has directed hundreds of field formations to hold rapid 'Sainik Sammelans' to gather personnel views on the proposal, a directive issued on Saturday.
- The proposal would reintroduce two intermediate steps between constable and head constable to reduce current first‑promotion waits that average 22–25 years.
- Officials frame the move as a way to absorb retiring Agniveers from the four‑year Agnipath scheme and to make CAPF careers more appealing to those recruits.
- Veterans and internal commanders warn the change will be ineffective unless it is paired with time‑bound promotion rules and safeguards to protect battalion discipline and operational efficiency.
- The lance naik and naik ranks were removed in a 1997 MHA order that merged them into constable and head constable, so any formal revival will need administrative approvals and a clear implementation plan.