Rajnath Singh applauds SSB’s performance in border guarding, internal security

New Delhi. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has applauded the performance of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in border guarding, internal security, anti-naxal operation duties and rescue relief operations.

Mr Singh was addressing the gathering at SSB’s 53rd Raising Day in New Delhi December 19.

He appreciated the work of SSB Battalions deployed in J&K and said they are doing commendable job in performing their law & order duties. “The operational achievements of SSB are as per our expectations, even without having a dedicated intelligence unit,” Mr Singh said, adding that SSB must have such unit and he will ensure that they will get a dedicated Intelligence unit shortly.

The Union Home Minister took the salute and inspected the Parade contingent of different Frontiers of SSB. He also felicitated the awardees of President Police Medal and Indian Police Medal. Later it was followed by a colourful display of SSB troops, Dog Squad, motorcycle riders and tabluex of Operational Directorate, Training and Sports Directorate of SSB.

Mr Singh said: “He pays tributes to those courageous soldiers who made supreme sacrifice for protecting the boundaries of nation and the lives of our citizens.” SSB is fulfilling the responsibility of protecting the 2450 km boundary with Nepal and Bhutan, he said, noting that the boundary with Nepal and Bhutan is different because of the open borders and no restrictions on movement of people. This is the reason it becomes difficult to recognise anti-social elements. The Minister said that SSB has been successful in curbing these anti-social elements.

Mr Singh said that the SSB has people-friendly image because it organizes welfare programmes like free medical camps for people living in the bordering areas. The SSB has done commendable work in executing the different Government schemes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

He also expressed happiness over the fact that women are also working shoulder to shoulder with the men in different activities of the Force and said that gender friendly infrastructure is being provided to the women on some of the BOPs and this model should be replicated in other BOPs also. The Home Minister also congratulated the awardees of President’s Police Medals for their bravery and distinguished service.

On this occasion, the Union Home Minister released a Coffee Table Book titled “Civic Action Initiatives” of SSB covering the work done by SSB for the benefit of people since its inception. He also released SSB video theme song on this occasion.

He appreciated that the installation of FM Channels in border areas with All India Radio by SSB is a unique initiative to connect with the masses and to counter the anti-India propaganda. Mr Singh applauded the discipline, dedication and synchronization shown by the SSB Jawans and woman personnel in their parade and dare devil acts during the function.

SSB Director General Archana Ramasundaram in her welcome speech highlighted the achievements and initiatives taken by the Bal in border management.

The Minister also met a group of 145 girls, who reached Delhi in eight groups from different parts of the country under ‘Educational Excursion cum Study Tour’ organized by SSB under its Civic Action Programme and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ Campaign.

The magnificent parade was attended by General V Namgyal, Ambassador of Bhutan in India; Durjey Kumar Rai, Chief of Nepal Armed Police Force; Chiefs of CAPFs; senior officers from MHA, retired and serving officers of SSB and their families, school children, local leaders and villagers from the nearby villages.