Apart from the valiant efforts of Indian soldiers to protect the nation, the security and integrity of India, especially relating to border securities and internal matters are being dealt by some courageous men. They work in other security forces, falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of Defence . They are integrated to Indian Armed forces acting as `armed forces auxillaries`. They are termed as Paramilitary Forces. There are a huge number of paramilitary forces with an extensive variety of roles. The diverse forces broadly follow the role of `gendarmerie` and carry out `counter-insurgency` or `anti-terrorist missions`. The Paramilitary Forces of India is regarded as the second largest of the world and most powerful among other paramilitary forces. In the year 2002, the whole strength of the paramilitary force was 1.3 million personnel.

Various paramilitary forces of India are as follows:

Assam Rifles:
Presently, There are 40,000 personnel in 31 battalions under the commandment of a Lieutenant General. Its achievements are quite significant. It was formerly formed as `Cachar Levy`. During British rule in the year 1835, it was formed as a paramilitary police force of 750 men to safeguard colonies against various upsurges like tribal raids etc. In 1870 these forces combined into three Assam Military Police battalions. A fourth battalion was formed 1915 in Imphal.

During the World War I, Assam Military Police troopers were part of the Indian forces that fought for Britain in Europe and Middle East. The name Assam Rifles was assigned in 1917 as recognition of their part in the war. During the World War II, the Assam Rifles helped manage the influx of refugees coming from Burma fleeing the Japanese advance in 1942.

Between the end of World War II and Indian independence, the Assam Rifles constituted five battalions that were one part of the civil police under the Assam Inspector General of Police. After independence, the Indian government assigned the Assam Rifles its own Director General. In October 1962 the Assam Rifles were the frontline troops in the beginning of the Chinese-Indian War. The Assam Rifles also maintained their peacekeeping roles in the Northern India in the face of tribal unrest and insurgency.

The Assam Rifles also look after the medical assistances, help in basic education, assist in rebuilding, agricultural activities and maintains communications in remote areas.

Rashtriya Rifles:
The Rashtriya Rifles is a `counterinsurgency` force in India. In the year 1990, General B C Joshi raised it specially to fight insurgency in Kashmir and also to work hand-in-hand the local security forces in the area. The major role of the formation is to allow the Indian Army to ensure its primary task of defending the borders and the state`s territory unhindered by action from Pakistani-backed terrorists and guerrillas. The Rashtriya Rifles itself comprises 62 battalions, with another 30 formed using regular army battalions. Presently there are 40,000 personnel.

Defence Security Corps - Presently, there are 30,000 personnel.

Border Security Force:
The Border Security Force (BSF), established on December 1, 1965, is responsible for guarding India`s land borders during peacetime and preventing trans-border crimes. It is a Central paramilitary force operating under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Presently there are 180,000 personnel.

Central Industrial Security Force:
It was established in its current form on June 15, 1983. Presently there are 90,000 personnel working in it.

Central Reserve Police Force: Presently there are 165,000 personnel in 200 battalions. The CRPF`s primary role lies in assisting the State/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and contain insurgency. It came into existence as the Crown Representative`s Police on July 27, 1939. After Indian Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on December 28, 1949.

Rapid Action Force - a 10 battalion semi-independent part of the CRPF trained to respond to sectarian violence. The Anti-Riot Police of the Indian Union.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police - 12,000
Other important Paramilitary forces in India are Railway Protection Force, Ondo Tibetan Border Police, Civil Defence, Indian Home Guard, Special Security Bureau, National Security Guards (7500 personnel), Special Protection Group (3000 personnel). The functioning of Paramilitary forces in India is significant thus ensuring the safety and security of the whole nation.