Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Indian Polity and Constitution
Topic: Federalism-issues
Issue: BSF jurisdiction
Context: Punjab has challenged the centre’s decision of extending BSF’s jurisdiction from 15 km to 50 km from the Indo-Pakistan border.
Border Security Force (BSF):
- BSF is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India, was raised in 1965 for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for related matters.
- Currently BSF guards India’s border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- The Border Security Force Act 1968 was enacted to regulate BSF.
Section 139 of the BSF Act, 1968 – authorises the Centre to confer powers and duties on members of the BSF force in respect of any Central Acts.
Purpose: To gain a more effective control on trans-border crimes in cooperation with the State Police.
| Centre’s arguments for extension | Punjab’s arguments against extension |
| Improve its operational effectiveness in curbing trans-border crimes. | Attack on Federalism as Police and Public order are subjects in the state list. |
| Establishes uniformity (50km) in defining the area within which the BSF can operate. | Usurpation of state powers by centre. |
