CRPF Mulls Bringing Back Lance Naik, Naik Ranks After 29 Years

Last Updated:October 16, 2026, 8:53 PM IST

CRPF is considering restoring the Lance Naik and Naik ranks, nearly 29 years after they were merged with Constable and Head Constable.

The CRPF may organise Sainik Sammelans or meetings with stakeholders to seek their feedback (Representative image)

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is considering restoring the ranks of Lance Naik and Naik, nearly three decades after they were merged with the ranks of Constable and Head Constable respectively.

The proposal is currently under discussion, and the force has sought feedback from its lower formations before taking a final decision, according to a senior CRPF official familiar with an internal communication.

The communication states that the reintroduction of the two ranks is being considered to increase promotional opportunities for personnel at the constable level. The competent authority has asked the force to gather the views and suggestions of its lower formations on the proposal.

The CRPF may organise Sainik Sammelans or meetings with stakeholders to seek their feedback. The suggestions will then be consolidated at the sector level and sent to the directorate by October 18 for submission to the competent authority.

Ranks Were Merged In 1997

The two ranks were removed from the CRPF’s hierarchy following an October 10, 1997 order of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on rationalising the rank structure and pay scales of non-gazetted personnel in Central Police Organisations.

Under the order, the rank of Lance Naik was merged with Constable, while Naik was merged with Head Constable. The move was part of a wider exercise to streamline ranks and pay structures.

The proposed restoration would bring back two intermediate ranks between Constable and Head Constable, potentially creating additional avenues for promotion for constabulary-level personnel.

Feedback Before Final Decision

The latest communication indicates that the CRPF will first collect feedback from its field formations before the proposal is placed before the competent authority for consideration.

The feedback gathered through meetings and consultations is to be compiled at the sector level and forwarded to the directorate by October 18.

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Why is the CRPF considering bringing back the Lance Naik and Naik ranks?

The CRPF is considering restoring the ranks of Lance Naik and Naik to increase promotional opportunities and create additional avenues for promotion for personnel at the constable level.

When were the Lance Naik and Naik ranks originally removed from the CRPF?

The ranks were removed and merged with Constable and Head Constable following an October 10, 1997 order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to streamline rank and pay structures.

What is the deadline for the CRPF lower formations to submit their feedback on the proposal?

Lower formations are gathering views and suggestions through meetings and Sainik Sammelans, which will be consolidated at the sector level and sent to the directorate by October 18.

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About the Author

Ankur SharmaAssociate Editor

With more than 17 years in journalism, Ankur Sharma is an Associate Editor specializing in internal security and strategic affairs. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitary forces, and cen…Read More

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