Patil promises 20 new SSB battalions

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a paramilitary force manning the Indo-Nepal and Bhutan borders, will soon have 20 new battalions. This was announced by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil at the passing-out parade of 20 new assistant commandants and 200 jawans of the force at the SSB Academy at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal district on Sunday.

He said that for over 40 years, since the formation of the SSB after the China War, the force did not have its own rules and regulations and was governed by the rules of other paramilitary forces. “As soon as the Bill in this regard is passed in Parliament, the SSB will have its own rules for more effective functioning,” he said.

Twenty new battalions of the force will be raised to strengthen security at the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. Patil said that developmental works in areas in which these new battalions would be set up would also get a boost as the force is also involved in developmental works.