43^rd BSF Raising Day was celebrated today at sprawling BSF camp at Chhawla on the outskirts of New Delhi. On the occasion, different contingent of the force,  conducted march past  before the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Union  Minister of state for Home  Sh Shriprakash Jaiswal who took the salute.

Addressing the personnel of the BSF Sh Jaiswal praised the high standard of training and leadership in the BSF. Complementing and congratulating the DG BSF SH M L Kumawat, his officers and men for excellent performance on parade he said the parade was a clear depiction of the varied and difficult terrains in which the force is deployed.

            Earlier in his welcome address, DG BSF M L Kumawat said that the force personnel are deployed in remote and difficult areas where many a time’s basic amenities are not available. In some remote areas because of lack of basic telecom network, personnel are not even able to talk to their family members. This loneliness further aggravates the stress level among them and it some times results in incidents of suicides and flagging

            Addressing the personnel of the force, the minister praised the high standard of training and leadership in BSF. Shri  Jaiswal said the contribution and sacrifices of the BSF   in upholding the integrity and sovereignty of India has been substantial and they will always be remembered. The minister assured the BSF personnel that the government will provide all assistance for better living conditions at their place of deployment.

Earlier in his address, DG BSF Sh M L Kumawat, thanked to Ministry of Home Affairs for the supportive and consideration in sanctioning BSF’s proposals which enhance welfare and morale of the troops.  He informed that, he is convinced that those issues which are now pending for decision will also be disposed off on priority by the Home Ministry without much delay. Most prominent among these is sanction of Hardship Allowance for which the government has already given its in principle approval during the acceptance of 6^th Central Pay Commission. Troops are anxiously waiting for its implementation without much delay, he added.

Further DG BSF elaborated there are other issues which are important from the point of view of the Force. Taking BSF out of the purview of the proposed New Pension Scheme, raising of 20 Battalions as reserve so as to provide an opportunity for rest and recuperation and alleviate stress, enhancing the satisfaction level by providing more residential accommodation to enable troops to live with their families and look after the education and health of their families are such issues which will go a long way in raising the morale and efficiency of the troops. Other issues which are important from the stand point of  giving more teeth  to the  force and need MHA’s attention on priority are strengthening the intelligence set up of BSF, providing air courier facilities to our troops for movement from operational area to the nearest rail junction and special package for strengthening the Sir Creek area of Indo-Pakistan borders.

             The union minister assured  the force personnel  on this occasion that the government is  aware of  the problems and  to  ameliorate  the working and living conditions, government is seriously considering  raising 20 more  reserve battalions, increase housing  and speedy  decision on the issues  listed  above by DG BSF

            At this occasion Sh Madhukar Gupta, union home secretary, heads of CPFs and others were present in large number to witness the parade.