New Delhi: The Centre has approved a seven-year deputation tenure for personnel from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Assam Rifles joining the National Security Guard (NSG), extending their service period in the elite counter-terrorism unit to strengthen operational capability.
The decision was cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs after the NSG sought a revision in the deputation policy to retain experienced commandos for a longer duration. Previously, CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel were inducted into the force on a five-year deputation, which could be extended by one year twice.
According to an order issued by the ministry on 5 March, personnel joining the NSG from CAPFs and the Assam Rifles will now be allowed to serve a full seven-year tenure at the time of their initial appointment. The move has been taken considering the specialised combat role of the force and the need to retain trained personnel.
Officials said the extension would help preserve institutional knowledge and maintain the specialised skills developed by the commandos during their service with the elite unit.
The NSG is the country’s federal counter-terrorism force and is popularly known as the ‘Black Cat’ force due to the black combat overalls worn by its commandos during operations. The unit carries out high-risk counter-terror operations, anti-hijacking missions, and provides security cover to high-threat VIPs.
Personnel in the force are drawn entirely on deputation, with about 47 per cent coming from CAPFs and Assam Rifles and the remaining 53 per cent from the Indian Army.
