News Top cop Nitin Agarwal appointed DG BSF

Nitin Agarwal, a 1989 batch IPS officer of Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of Border Security Force (BSF). This appointment comes after a vacancy of more than five months in the post. Currently serving as the Additional Director General of Operations at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Headquarters in Delhi, Nitin Agarwal brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued an order late night, stating that the date of appointment of Nitin Agarwal as Director General of BSF is till July 31, 2026, or until further orders, whichever comes first. is effective from Earlier, after the retirement of Pankaj Kumar Singh on 31 December 2022, the post of BSF chief was lying vacant. During this, CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thousen had additional charge of BSF.

Interestingly, Nitin Agarwal’s appointment coincides with the start of the bi-annual four-day border talks between BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Delhi. As the talks conclude on June 14, it is expected that Nitin Agarwal will take over as the new Director General of BSF.

Throughout his career, Nitin Agarwal has served in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), another border guarding force under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He has also served in various capacities in his home cadre of Kerala.

What is Border Security Force?

The Border Security Force (BSF) is a paramilitary force in India responsible for guarding the country’s borders. Established in 1965, BSF functions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Its primary objective is to ensure the security, integrity and sovereignty of India’s borders.

With a force of about 2.65 lakh personnel, BSF plays a vital role in preventing illegal activities like smuggling, infiltration and terrorist threats along India’s borders. The force is deployed along the western and eastern borders, guarding the border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

BSF is equipped with modern technologies and weapons to effectively perform its duties. It conducts regular patrols, surveillance operations and erects border fencing to detect and prevent any unauthorized crossings or threats. Apart from border security, the BSF also assists in internal security operations during times of civil unrest or natural calamities.

BSF personnel undergo rigorous training to develop specialized skills in border management, counter-terrorism and disaster response. The force maintains close coordination with other security agencies and collaborates with international counterparts to enhance border security measures.

Overall, the Border Security Force plays an important role in guarding India’s borders, ensuring the safety of its citizens and maintaining peace and stability in the border areas.