In News:

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is contemplating the deployment of Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) along the India–China border, on the lines of their existing role along the India–Pakistan border. This move reflects India’s evolving approach to border management, civilian participation in security, and augmentation of regular forces like the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

About Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG)

• Legal Framework: Home Guards are constituted under the Home Guards Act and Rules of States/Union Territories.
• Authorised States: Seven states have been authorised to maintain BWHGs — Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• Current Status: Presently, Rajasthan is the only state with active BWHGs.
• Tenure & Duties: Members are usually enlisted for 3–4 years, perform responsibilities similar to police constables, and receive training with 25% of costs borne by the Central Government.

Recruitment and Composition

• Open to individuals from all classes and walks of life, who volunteer their spare time for community and national service.
• Trained to act as a reserve force, capable of rapid mobilisation during border crises and emergencies.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Border Security:
  • Act as ancillaries to the Army and ITBP.
  • Assist in guarding vital installations, vulnerable areas, and border outposts, particularly during hostilities.
• Internal Security:
  • Serve as an auxiliary to the police during law-and-order situations.
  • Help in maintenance of essential services, disaster management, and crowd control.
• Community Support:
  • Provide assistance during natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and epidemics.
  • Promote communal harmony and support protection of vulnerable sections of society.
• Operational Experience:
  • Played a key role in information collection and dissemination during Operation Sindoor.
  • Used effectively in intelligence support and area familiarisation along sensitive borders.

Strategic Relevance Along the China Border

• Force Multiplier: Deployment of BWHGs can supplement the ITBP and Army in surveillance, information gathering, and local liaison in border villages.
• Civil–Military Synergy: Encourages participation of local communities in security efforts, thereby improving intelligence flow and fostering trust.
• Cost-Effective Option: As they are part-time volunteers with limited tenure, they reduce the financial burden compared to raising additional paramilitary units.
• Border Management: Their presence may strengthen village defence networks in frontier areas, countering infiltration and enhancing preparedness.