The CRPF is mulling over changing the Khaki uniform of the 3.25 lakh strong paramilitary to impart a unique identity and be at par with the defence forces.
Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force AP Maheshwari on Tuesday addressed all the formations of the Force online seeking comments on changing the khaki uniform to reflect the unique character of the world's biggest paramilitary.
"CRPF being the largest paramilitary force is the sentinel of the Union (of India) with regard to Internal Security. The main Khaki in uniform which is worn by CRPF personnel is very common with all the State/Union Territory police and paramilitary forces. Besides Khaki uniform is also being worn by postal delivery man as well as delivery boys of LPG supplier which somehow degrade our quality/action," reads a CRPF circular regarding DG's address to the officers and jawans on the issue
It further said, " In order to make the CRPF more unique with the uniform and to give a separate identity, a new uniform other than Khaki should be introduced which is the need of the hour."
Keeping in view the pattern of uniform/dress of other police forces of the world, the issue regarding change in Khaki uniform presently worn by all CRPF officer and personnel since it's inception is being examined at the Directorate level, officials said, adding new pattern other than Khaki uniform may be introduced to make the Force more unique, different in identify and to give special focus on the identity of the force at par with Army, Navy and Air Force.
The issue of change in character of the uniform being a policy matter which involves the pride of the entire CRPF, suggestions from all formations have been sought, they added.