24-Oct-2021: Union Minister of State for Home Shri Nityanand Rai takes Salute at 60th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Greater Noida
The Union Minister of State for Home, Shri Nityanand Rai took the salute at the 60th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) held at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh today. Senior officers and Jawans of the Force including the Director General of ITBP were also present on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Nityanand Rai said that there is no better example of courage and devotion of ITBP Jawans in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. The country is proud of your valour. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said that the country and the world saw India in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, when there were skirmishes on the border with China. ITBP soldiers were vigilant throughout and did not let their adversaries succeed. ITBP has proved through 'Operation Snow Leopard' that ITBP is unique in protecting the country's borders. It is a matter of pride that 23 personnel of ITBP were awarded Police Medals of Bravery on the occasion of Independence Day this year, out of which 20 Jawans were awarded these medals for gallantry in 'Operation Snow Leopard'.
The Union Minister of State for Home said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, emphasis has been laid on the border security of the country and security forces have been given freedom to take decisions according to circumstances, which has boosted their morale. Emphasis has been placed on equipping all forces engaged in the work and whatever matters have been brought to notice have been looked into, so that border guards would be competent and victorious in any circumstance.
Shri Nityanand Rai said that the ITBP is known for its versatility and devotion to duty in a multidisciplinary field. Be it border guarding or climbing the highest peaks of the Himalayan range, anti-Naxal operations or internal security duties, ITBP has left an indelible mark of service to the Nation in every field. In various operations since 2018, 6 Naxalites were gunned down in encounters, 71 were apprehended and 187 surrendered. A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered during this period.
The Minister of State for Home said that under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has strengthened border security vigilance through technology and has included state-of-the-art and research-based systems so that any activity along the border can be closely monitored. This has empowered and enabled the security forces. The work of making proper arrangements to fill and monitor the gaps where there are gaps on the international border is going on continuously in a phased manner. In order to make ITBP more efficient, construction of infrastructure of 47 border posts and 12 staging camps was approved last year, discussions are in its final stages for approval of additional vehicles of ITBP for manpower.
Shri Rai said that the ITBP is called the 'Sentinel of the Himalayas'. Along with the security of the Himalayas, the force personnel have been playing the role of friend, guardian and protector of the residents there and accompanying the people there in all kinds of calamities. ITBP has served the citizens with great promptness by leading relief and rescue operations during adverse conditions in areas affected by natural calamities. They have safely evacuated, as well as conducted relief and rescue operations in the disasters that have taken place in Himachal Pradesh, which is commendable.
The Minister of State for Home said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, ITBP went ahead with courage and great enthusiasm and served the citizens. ITBP opened the country's first 1,000-bed quarantine center at Chhawla Camp in Delhi, where Indians coming back from abroad as well as citizens of 8 friendly countries were also quarantined. ITBP efficiently managed the 10,000 bedded Sardar Patel COVID-19 Care Center and Hospital in New Delhi. In the month of August this year, when Indian nationals from Afghanistan and nationals of Afghanistan and Nepal were brought to India with them, ITBP once again came forward and did a commendable job of keeping these 135 people in quarantine and taking care of their needs.
Shri Nityanand Rai said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ITBP has performed brilliantly in International, National and All India Police Games and won 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. Along with this, ITBP continued its excellent performance in adventure sports even during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the last two years carried out successful mountaineering expeditions to 9 peaks above 6,000 meters in the Himalayas. He said that we always think about the welfare of our soldiers and I want to assure you that we are fully aware of your problems and your difficult life and we are always trying to solve them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is very serious about working conditions, vehicles, buildings, roads, communication etc. and the need for them to reach forward posts.
The Union Minister of State for Home said that it is the endeavor of the Government to have a better system of stress management in the Central Armed Police Forces. ITBP has done much exemplary work to imbibe the 'Fit India Mission'. Fitness marches, runs, walks etc. have been organized throughout the year by the formations of ITBP, for which I extend my heartiest congratulations to all of you. Welfare works are being done by ITBP under the Civic Action and Border Area Development Program to instill confidence and security in the minds of the people in border areas, which include organizing medical camps, veterinary camps, drinking water facilities, repair of roads. Distribution of items required in daily living and writing and reading material for school children, distribution of free ration material etc. are prominent. These programs have definitely increased the trust of the people living in border areas towards the ITBP.
Mr. Rai said that I am glad that the ITBP is adopting various flagship campaigns of the Government of India and making the general public aware about them. I congratulate the Director General, ITBP and his team for your active participation in campaigns like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav i, COVID-19 Public Awareness Movement, Vaccination Campaign, Environment Protection, Tree Plantation and Sanitation etc. May you all be successful and always carry forward the tradition of gallant service of Himveers with your perseverance and dedication. On the 60th Foundation Day of ITBP, I once again wish you and your families a happy, healthy and bright future.
12-May-2021: Cabinet approves transfer of land of ITBP to Government of Uttarakhand for development of Aerial Passenger Ropeway System
The Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved transfer of 1500 square metres of land belonging to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Mussoorie to the State Government of Uttarakhand for their infrastructure project, namely, 'Aerial Passenger Ropeway System' between Dehradun and Mussoorie.
The proposed Ropeway is a mono-cable ropeway of 5580 meters length under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode between Purkul Gaon, Dehradun (Lower Terminal Station) and Library, Mussoorie (Upper Terminal Station) being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.285 crore with a carrying capacity of 1000 persons per hour per direction. This will considerably reduce the traffic flow on road route from Dehradun to Mussoorie.
In addition, this will generate direct employment of 350 and indirect employment of more than 1500 people. Once completed, the ropeway will be a huge attraction for tourists which in turn will provide a boost to the tourism industry in the State and create additional employment opportunities in tourism sector.
24-Oct-2020: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy takes part in 59th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy took part in the Raising Day function organized in Greater Noida today on the 59th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and took the salute at the Parade. In his address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy said, our culture speaks about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which gives the message of world peace. At the same time our culture also gives us the mantra to fully empower ourselves for every kind of adverse situation created by the enemy. Shri Reddy said that since its inception in 1962, the ITBP has been protecting our borders. No matter whatever the difficulties, ITBP Jawans perform their duties with high morale and patriotism in the service of Mother India.
Acknowledging the services rendered by the ITBP, Shri Reddy said that the Force is working with zeal and high order of professionalism even in the uncongenial and extreme conditions on our mountainous borders. He said whether it is battling terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir or Left Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh, the ITBP has performed with excellence.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Government is committed to fully empowering the ITBP. Under the effective leadership of the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken several steps to make ITBP more efficient and modern. Shri Reddy informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has given approval to the ITBP to establish 47 border outposts. This year 28 types of new vehicles have been provided. A budget of Rs 7,223 crore has been allocated for the ITBP and more than Rs. 15 crore has been sanctioned for management.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy said when the country was battling the Corona pandemic under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ITBP personnel also took part. During the Lockdown, essential items were supplied by the ITBP to people residing in remote areas. He emphasized the selfless service rendered by the ITBP in various efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Under the guidance of Shri Amit Shah, ITBP was given the responsibility of running the world's largest COVID -19 hospital in Chhatarpur, named the Sardar Patel Covid Hospital, which was set by ITBP as an example of service to humanity. Shri Reddy also said that whether the youth in Chhattisgarh have to be connected with sports, to provide clean drinking water to the general public, or to set up medical camps in remote areas, ITBP Jawans have worked tirelessly. They also saved precious human lives by transporting patients to hospitals on foot for several kilometres.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said ITBP personnel also play an active role in making Government of India schemes a success. At the behest of the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, a large number of saplings were planted in an effort to protect the environment. ITBP Jawans largely inspired the public to be fit through the Fit India Movement. The ITBP also contributes significantly to the nation’s economic development. The ITBP has played a part in thwarting efforts from across the border aimed at slowing our economic development.
Paying tributes to ITBP martyrs, Shri Reddy said he would like to assure families of the martyrs, that the nation and the Government shall always stand with them.
Shri. Reddy presented six Presidential Police Medals to ITBP personnel and 23 Police Medals for Meritorious Services. Concluding his address he said that the nation will always be proud and indebted to the ITBP personnel for their sacrifice and valour.
Earlier, the Director General of ITBP, Shri Surjit Singh Deswal briefed the Union Minister of State about the recent activities of the ITBP. Shri Deswal said efforts are being made for the modernization of ITBP, including the purchase of modern vehicles, jackets, helmets etc. Shri Deswal said he was proud that the ITBP has got an opportunity to serve the country during the adverse circumstances of COVID-19, in which health services and other services were provided free of cost.
On this occasion, an ITBP Annual Special Souvenir containing highlights of the achievements of the Force during the year and a book ‘Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’ incorporating brief information regarding spiritual and religious places, tourist places, institutions, temples etc. of Uttarakhand were also released by the Chief Guest.
Raised on 24 October, 1962 during India-China War, the ITBP primarily guards the nation’s 3,488 kilometre long borders in the Himalayas at the BOPs located at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 18,800 feet. Apart from guarding the border; the Force is also deployed for Anti Naxal operations and other internal security duties.