ITBP to establish 10 all-woman forward posts at India-China border

He also said the ITBP has ensured “a safe, respectful and positive work environment” in the force and that its women soldiers already stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in guarding the border at forward posts.

“We have worked on a forwardisation plan, whereby the number of our forward posts has increased from 180 to 215,” he said. Forty-one new forward posts are also being set up to further augment security and coordination along the border with China, he added.

He said the aim was to make the ITBP “a fully modernised force in the near future” and that while making a roadmap in this direction, special emphasis is being laid on putting in place “smart border technology, sustainable infrastructure, empowered human resource and comprehensive civil interface”.

“The establishment of seven new battalions and a sector headquarters has not only strengthened this plan, but has also enhanced our reach and supervision of the forward areas,” the DG said.

He pointed out that the basic infrastructure at forward posts has been strengthened in recent years, and that with the use of logistics drones, it has now become possible to send medicines and rations to forward posts.

He also said that the ITBP would keep working towards the goal of eradicating Naxalism from India by 2026 — a target set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This year, the ITBP killed four Naxals, captured 52 and made 206 surrender in Chhattisgarh, the DG said.