Lok Sabha Question No. 488 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Modernization of Sashastra Seema Bal
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Deepender Singh Hooda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 488

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

MODERNIZATION OF SASHASTRA SEEMA BAL

488.  SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  modernise  the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), including introduction of advanced surveillance systems such as drones, anti-drone technology, thermal imaging equipment, and modern communication tools;
- (b)  the  time  period  within  which  the  ongoing  and  proposed  modernisation initiatives for SSB are expected to be completed;
- (c) the total funds allocated and utilised for modernisation and infrastructure development of SSB during the last ten financial years, including the current financial year; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  fixed  any  specific  targets  to  strengthen SSB's manpower, training, and operational capacity under these modernisation programmes?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a): Moving towards modernization, Sashastra Seema Bal has procured the Unmanned  Aerial  Vehicles,  Micro  Unmanned  Aerial  Vehicles,  Hand  Held Thermal Imager, CCTV Surveillance Setup with Automatic Face Recognition System  with  Auto  Number  Plate  Recognition  and  Satellite  phones  for surveillance and modernization of the Force.

Besides above, a Central Sector Scheme namely, Modernization Plan for all  the  Central  Armed  Police  Forces  (CAPFs)  including  Sashastra  Seema Bal(SSB) has been implemented with an objective to improve the efficiency and  performance  of  each  CAPF  by  enhancing  their  capabilities  through induction of latest and State of the art equipment in the areas of weaponry, communication, protective gears, surveillance and border guarding systems, training items, armored vehicles and special transport vehicles.

(b): Modernization of forces and procurement of the latest and State of the art equipment is an ongoing process. So specific timeline can not be given.

(c): For the modernization and infrastructure development, during last ten years  i.e.  starting  from  the  year  2015-16  to  2025-26  i.e  including  current financial year, Sashastra Seema Bal has been allotted Rs.5001.63 Crore and out of that Rs.4775.11 Crore have been spent so far and till the completion of this financial year on 31.03.2026 more fund will be utilized.

During the period from 2013 to the current ongoing Modernization PlanIV upto 31.03.2026, Sashastra Seema Bal has been allotted Rs.241.15 Crore under  the  Modernization  Plan-II,  III  and  IV  and  spent  Rs.210.02  Crore  for procurement of various types of latest and State of the art equipment in the

areas of weaponry, communication, protective gears, surveillance and border guarding  systems,  training  items,  armored  vehicles  and  special  transport vehicles.

(d):   Human Resource requirement and capacity building is a dynamic one and hence no specific target kept. It is assessed as and when needed and provided accordingly. To strengthen SSB's manpower (i) timely DPCs as per recruitment rules are conducted to fill vacancies against promotion quota (ii) direct recruitment posts are notified and filled through SSC/UPSC/ MOSB/Departmentally  (iii)  to  fill  non-GD  cadres  in  house  recruitment  are timely conducted and (iv) some vacancies are filled up through deputation.

Further, SSB conducts training programme of the Force personnel as per requirement of the Force and also as and when latest and State of the Art equipment are adopted by the Force to enhance the operational capacity of the Force. SSB has also sent its personnel for taking the Drone Pilot Training at Drone Destination Gurugram (Haryana) which is an approved institute by Director General of Civil Aviation, Special Communication Equipment Training at Border Security Force (BSF) and Yoga Training programme at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi. These modern training programmes will strengthen the operational capacity of the Force.

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