Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 20: The Ex-Central Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association (CPFWA) from Jammu and Kashmir has called on the Central Government to urgently address the longstanding grievances and demands of Central Paramilitary Forces.
During a press conference held today, VK Sharma (Retd. DIG) and Harinder Mahajan brought attention to the pressing issues that CPMF personnel face, particularly the inconsistencies in their treatment compared to the Indian Army. “A significant issue highlighted during the conference was the discrimination that CPMF personnel have encountered since 2014, notably concerning their rights and benefits,” he remarked.
“Unlike the Indian Army, CPMF personnel have yet to receive One Rank One Pension (OROP), even though they serve under comparable high-risk conditions and encounter similar challenges,” they asserted, adding that in contrast to their counterparts in the Indian Army, CPMF personnel have not benefited from sufficient pension increases, which exacerbates the financial disparities they face post-retirement.
The representatives expressed their concerns regarding the insufficiency of comprehensive medical provisions for CPMF personnel. While the Indian Army is afforded substantial medical support, paramilitary forces do not receive the same quality of care, they pointed out.
On the issue of Martyr’s recognition, they stated that CPMF personnel who have sacrificed their lives while serving do not receive equivalent acknowledgment and benefits as their Army counterparts, which the association regards as unjust given their dedication to national security.
Despite the essential contributions of CPMF in upholding law and order, particularly in areas affected by militancy and along international borders, the association noted a lack of governmental priority towards them. Regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, and the North-Eastern states, where CPMF personnel are predominantly active, often overlook their services, they claimed.
Sharma underscored that since 2014, the Central Government has adopted a “step-motherly” approach towards CPMF personnel. He stated that despite their diligent contributions, including ensuring security in sensitive areas, CPMF forces remain deprived of the benefits granted to their Army counterparts.
Alongside presenting their concerns, the CPMF representatives expressed profound respect for the farmers who have been advocating for their rights over an extended period.
The CPMF leadership also voiced disapproval regarding the indifference exhibited by higher officials within the CPMF towards the personnel’s issues, emphasizing that no Directors General (DGs) of paramilitary forces have adequately addressed the concerns from their respective departments.
The Association expressed disappointment over the absence of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Jammu and Kashmir (UT) raising the issues affecting CPMF personnel in Parliament. They acknowledged the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission by the Central Government, but strongly urged that an active member from the CPMF be included in the commission to ensure their concerns are taken into account.
