The Border Security Force (BSF) is celebrating its 56th Raising Day on 1st December. On the occasion, the 'Police Medal for Gallantry' and 'President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service' were presented to BSF personnel. BSF's annual e-magazine "Borderman" was also released.

BSF is "INDIA'S FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE".

After the 1965 Pakistan war, Government of India felt the need for a specialized centrally controlled Border Security Force, which would be armed and trained to man the International Border with Pakistan. As a result, the Border Security Force came into existence on 01 Dec 1965.

Task of BSF includes:

    1. Peace time

        a. Border Guard and security.

        b. Prevention trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.

        c. Prevention of smuggling and any other illegal activities on the Border.

        d. Anti-infiltration duties.

        e. Collection trans-border intelligence.

        f. To promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.

    2. War time

        a. Holding ground in assigned sectors.

        b. Limited aggressive action against irregular forces of the enemy.

        c. Maintenance of Law and Order in enemy territory administered under the Army's control.

        d. Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.

        e. Assistance in control of refugees.

        f. Provision of escorts.

        g. Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including cross-border raids

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)