Women would now play a vital role in manning the Indo-Nepal border and also get a more challenging task to prove their mettle.
"I want that total strength of women in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) should be at least 5 percent of the total strength which is the standard laid down by the government. Besides, they should also get challenging tasks to prove that they do not lag vehind their male counterparts in any manner,” asserted Director General of SSB, Archana Ramadundram while stressing on the role of women in the para-military force in the days to come.
At present, the SSB has just about 1200 women personnel in the total cadre.
On a three-day tour of UP, Ramadundram said that the role of the women in the SSB becomes vital as during a recent crackdown on gangs engaged in cross-border smuggling of narcotics, fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), human trafficking, it surfaced that a large number of members were females.
"It is difficult to check criminal activities involving women until cops of the same gender are posted to counter them," she added.
On Monday, the DG of SSB chaired a meeting of Frontier Headquarters toreview security along Indo-Nepal border. She stressed the need of increased professionalism in guarding borders. The top cop also conferred with officials through video-conferencing where IG (lucknow Frontier) VH Deshmukh was present.
"This could be ensured by introducing new training modules for officials and staff posted on Border Out-Posts (BOPs). Stress should also be given on training for professional and tactical preparedness," she emphasized.
Advocating on dealing with every visitor or those going to Nepal very politely to paint a friendly image of the SSB, Ramadundram reminded that at the same time, the cops should have a `zero tolerance’ against anti-nationals while discharging their duties. She asked officials to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and always adhere to security precautions to avoid exigencies.
The DG also raised concern over the staff crunch and said that efforts were being made in this regard and the total cadre strength will be filled very soon.
It may be mentioned that of the 73 sanctioned battalions of SSB, only 65 battalions are in action. Of these two companies are attached to National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF).
When asked about difficulty or change in approach in discharging duty on the Indo-Nepal border in the light of recent problems in Nepal and protests by Madhesis, the DG (SSB) denied it saying that not a single incident surfaced after she took over the reins of the SSB.
"The relations between the two countries are endearing but inexorable poverty is the core issue against development of the area. This compels local dwellers to engage in smuggling or to act as a courier for making fast bucks,” she pointed.
On Tuesday, Ramasundram will visit sensitive border areas and BOPs on the Gorakhpur and lakhimpur Kheri Sectors. She will interact with jawans and Village level Committee members to get a first hand account of the ground realities.