Proposal For 2 New India Reserve Battalions In Karnataka Under Consideration: MHA To LS

New Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the government of Karnataka has proposed the establishment of two new India Reserve Battalions, and the proposal is currently under consideration. Responding to the query of Lok Sabha legislator GM Siddeshwar, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated in a written reply that the Government of India had previously sanctioned two India Reserve Battalions in Karnataka.

Introduced in 1971, India Reserve Battalions are special armed forces specific to individual states, distinct from regular police or paramilitary forces. The central government bears the rising costs of this force, which was established to have an armed police force patterned after the Central Para Military Force (CMPF).

With 153 battalions sanctioned to various states, India Reserve Battalions play a crucial role in protecting states from terrorist and Maoist threats. Their responsibilities include assisting district police in maintaining law and order, participating in elections, performing law and order duties in the state and other states, aiding in disaster management, providing force for events like trade fairs, and undertaking tasks assigned by the government.

This specialized force collaborates with local police to ensure effective law and order maintenance and executes critical duties, such as election-related responsibilities, within or outside the state. The India Reserve Battalion remains committed to delivering its best in maintaining law and order as needed.