Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, graced the 61st Raising Day celebrations of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as the Chief Guest in Siliguri, West Bengal. During the event, he e-inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and a newly constructed residential complex for Border Guarding Force personnel at Petrapole. The ceremony witnessed the presence of senior dignitaries, including the Director of Intelligence Bureau, Secretary of Border Management, and the Director General of SSB.
Shri Shah began his address by paying homage to the SSB personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, particularly in safeguarding borders and eliminating Left-Wing Extremism in eastern India. Recognizing their valor, he highlighted that the SSB has been honored with numerous national awards, including 4 Padma Shri, 1 Kirti Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, and 35 Gallantry Medals, underscoring the force’s unwavering commitment to the nation.
SSB’s Role in Border Security and National Integration
The Union Home Minister lauded the SSB for its unique efforts in integrating border villages into the country’s mainstream by promoting their culture, language, and heritage. He acknowledged the force’s critical role in maintaining vigilance along the 2,450-kilometer borders with Nepal and Bhutan, ensuring national security and fostering trust and friendship with neighboring countries.
Shri Shah credited the SSB with achieving significant milestones, including:
- Naxal-Free Bihar and Jharkhand: The SSB, in collaboration with the CRPF and state police forces, has played a pivotal role in eliminating Naxalism from these states after nearly four decades.
- Encroachment Removal: Over 1,100 encroachments on No Man’s Land along the border have been successfully removed, freeing thousands of acres of government land.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: The force has actively combated smuggling of narcotics, arms, wildlife products, and counterfeit currency.
Impact on Border Communities and Youth
The Minister highlighted the SSB’s initiatives in empowering border communities through self-employment programs. Personnel have trained local youth in skills like beekeeping, computer operations, mobile repair, and driving, enabling sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the SSB has sensitized over 36,000 youth on the dangers of drug addiction.
Disaster Relief and Environmental Conservation
Acknowledging the SSB’s contributions beyond security, Shri Shah praised the force for its exemplary disaster relief efforts, including flood and landslide rescue operations. He also commended their environmental initiatives, with over 6 crore trees planted as part of the CAPF’s afforestation drive, showcasing their dedication to preserving the environment.
Government Support for CAPF Personnel
Shri Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, several schemes have been implemented:
- Ayushman Cards: Over 41 lakh Ayushman cards issued, benefiting CAPF personnel with health cover worth ₹1,600 crore.
- Housing Initiatives: Construction of 13,000 houses, 113 barracks, and the launch of the CAPF e-Housing Portal, facilitating home allotments for over 6.31 lakh personnel.
SSB’s Sporting Achievements and Cultural Contributions
The Home Minister also highlighted the SSB’s remarkable performance in sports, with personnel winning 72 medals in national and international events. Their efforts in spreading awareness, fostering community bonds, and promoting patriotism have further strengthened their connection with the nation.