CELEBRATIONS: BSF to Celebrate 48th Raising Day on Dec 1

Jalandhar, November 30, 2012: Border Security Force (BSF), the sentinels of Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, is celebrating its 48th Raising Day on December 1.

According to an official information, BSF, the biggest border guarding Force in the world, came into existence on the nation’s security landscape on the eventful day of December 1, 1965.  This Force was created as an amalgamation of various State Armed Police Battalions aimed towards a coordinated synergy between the border guarding functions in peace time and fighting the war during the eventuality on both Eastern and Western fronts.  It is a Force with no concept of a separate peace time and field postings. The Border Security Force, thus is unique in its character with the task of 24 x 7 field duties in consonance to its motto “Jeevan  Paryant  Kartavaya”. 

As per the available information, BSF is deployed on Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Indo-Pakistan International Border, and, on Line of Control along with Indian Army. Border Security Force has proven its credentials during 1971 war, the Punjab militancy, the North-East insurgency and the J &K militancy and is also deployed in Anti-Naxal Operations. It has proved its mettle in counter insurgency and anti-militancy operations, internal security duties, natural calamities, adventure and sports activities, human relations and many matters of national importance.

The 553-km-long tough and challenging Indo-Pakistan International Border of Punjab is being guarded round the clock by Punjab Frontier of Border Security Force. 

BSF troops of Punjab Frontier have maintained excellent alertness inspite of various odds and have seized 278.215 Kgs heroin, FICN worth   Rs. 46,21,000, 23 weapons and apprehended 31 Pak Nationals and 12 Bangladeshi Nationals.   In a display of its humanitarian character BSF handed over 20 Pak Nationals to Pakistan Rangers, who had inadvertently crossed the IB. Besides above, BSF Central Sports Teams also achieved laurels and have been declared winners of Basketball, Athletic, Gymnastic and Weight Lifting in 60th All India Police Duty Meet.

During the year 2012-13, total 101 projects under the Border Area Development Programme were submitted by BSF out of which 20 programmes were approved. Out of these, 5 projects are under progress. Besides above, 33 Civic Action Programmes have also been conducted in the border areas for rendering help to the needy border population and also to forge better understanding with them.

In true spirit of “Jai Jawan Jai Kissan”  to assist the border farmers and for speedy disposal of their problems, meetings with the farmers are being held by respective Company  Commanders and at Commandant level during which their problems are solved on the spot.  It is ensured that adequate publicity of these meetings is done so that maximum farmers are able to take part in these meetings. 

Due to induction of Mahila Constables in the Force since the year 2009 and their deployment for Gate Management duty has hugely benefitted the farmers in cultivation of land ahead of fence as female kissans and female labourers are also going ahead of fence for cultivation of their land.   These Mahila Constables are now playing an important role in the security of the border alongside their male counterpart. 

During the current year, steps were taken to improve basic infrastructure at grass root level to provide maximum facilities to Jawans in Punjab Frontier.  In addition, keeping in view the welfare of Jawans and their family members, Family Welfare Centers are functional in each unit where various Civil/Vocational courses are being run for families of BSF pers. For the benefit of children of BSF personnel and their overall development two summer camps were organised during 2012 to impart various type of sports, training activities like Horse riding, Judo, Gymnastic, Football, Clay and painting. To promote rich cultural heritage among BSF persons and their families’ international fame artists were called through SPICMACAY to perform various Indian classical dances and play instruments. Besides above Creche/Day Care Centres in all Units under Punjab Frontier are being established keeping in view the welfare of ladies staff/personnel.

On the occasion of Raising Day meeting/conference of retired BSF veterans, residing in Punjab, will be organised on December 1, 2012 to honor them and to redress their post retirement problems.

To share the social responsibility towards environment protection, BSF carried out environment protection campaign during August ’2012 wherein saplings were planted in border belt and border population was encouraged for the conservation of environment. Besides above, a campaign has been initiated by BSF in border belt against the drug abuse wherein Skits and Street Theater are being organised with assistance of local Street Theater groups to generate awareness amongst the border population against the ill effects of drugs on the society.

The Border Security Force, Punjab Frontier has been protecting the international borders of Punjab with full devotion and will continue to do so in future also.