New Delhi. 19 December 2016. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) got a promise of an independent intelligence unit as its 53rd birthday gift. The operational achievements of SSB are as per the expectations, even without having a dedicated intelligence unit. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that SSB must have such unit and he will ensure that they will get a dedicated Intelligence unit shortly.

He applauded the performance of SSB in border guarding, internal security, anti-naxal operation duties and rescue relief operations. He appreciated the work of SSB Battallions deployed in J&K and said they are doing commendable job in performing their law & order duties.

Addressing on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said that he pays tributes to those courageous soldiers who made supreme sacrifice for protecting the boundaries of nation and the lives of our citizens. He said that SSB is fulfilling the responsibility of protecting the 2450 kms boundary with Nepal and Bhutan. He said that the boundary with Nepal and Bhutan is different because of the open borders and no restrictions on movement of people. This is the reason it becomes difficult to recognise anti-social elements, he said. He said that SSB has been successful in curbing these anti-social elements.

Rajnath Singh said that the SSB has people-friendly image because it organizes welfare programmes like free medical camps for people living in the bordering areas. He also expressed happiness over the fact that women are also working shoulder to shoulder with the men in different activities of the Force. He expressed happiness over the fact that gender friendly infrastructure is being provided to the women on some of the BOPs and this model should be replicated in other BOPs also. He also congratulated the awardees of President’s Police Medals for their bravery and distinguished service.

On this occasion Home Minister released a Coffee Table Book titled “Civic Action Initiatives” of SSB covering the work done by SSB for the benefit of people since its inception. He also released SSB video theme song on this occasion.

He appreciated that the installation of FM Channels in border areas with All India Radio by SSB is a unique initiative to connect with the masses and to counter the anti-India propaganda. He also appreciated the discipline, dedication and synchronization shown by the SSB Jawans and woman personnel in their parade and dare devil acts during the function.

Archana Ramasundaram, Director General SSB in her welcome speech highlighted the achievements and initiatives taken by the SSB in border management.

The Union Home Minister also met a group of 145 girls, who reached Delhi in eight groups from different parts of the country under ‘Educational Excursion cum Study Tour’ organized by SSB under its Civic Action Programme.

The parade was attended by General V. Namgyal, Ambassador of Bhutan in India, Durjey Kumar Rai, Chief of Nepal Armed Police Force, Chiefs of CAPFs, Senior officers from MHA, retired and serving officers of SSB and their families, School children, local leaders and villagers from the nearby villages.