NEW DELHI, April 2 -- The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, with a voice vote, even as Opposition members walked out, insisting that the legislation be sent to a select committee for detailed scrutiny. The Bill aims to establish a unified legal framework governing personnel across the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), replacing the current system of separate service rules. The government said the move would bring uniformity in recruitment, service conditions and administration, thereby enhancing efficiency and morale in forces tasked with maintaining internal security. Replying to the debate, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai said the legislation would streamline governance and strengthen coordination between the Centre and states. He dismissed criticism that the Bill could weaken the federal structure, asserting that it would, in fact, reinforce it. "The Bill is not against the federal structure of the country. In reality, it will strengthen the federal structure," Rai said, adding that a standardised framework would remove disparities across CAPFs and improve operational effectiveness. One of the key provisions of the Bill formalises deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to senior positions in CAPFs. It mandates that 50% of posts at the inspector general rank and at least 67% of posts at the additional director general level be filled through deputation. The provision effectively institutionalises IPS presence in top leadership roles. The timing of the legislation is significant, coming months after the Supreme Court of India declined to review its 2025 judgment directing the Centre to progressively reduce IPS deputation to CAPFs up to the Senior Administrative Grade level and undertake a cadre review within six months. Opposition leaders have argued that the new Bill runs contrary to the spirit of that ruling. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the Bill warranted deeper examination, given its far-reaching impact on career progression and morale within CAPFs. He said the opposition had sought to refer the legislation to a select committee to ensure detailed scrutiny, but decided to walk out after the government declined the demand. In his statement, Kharge argued that the Bill institutionalises deputation by fixing quotas for senior ranks such as inspector general, additional director general and above, thereby limiting leadership opportunities for cadre officers within CAPFs. He warned that such a structure could adversely affect career progression by restricting promotion avenues and potentially lead to stagnation, which in turn may impact morale in forces that play a critical role in maintaining internal security. He also flagged the absence of adequate consultation with CAPF personnel during the drafting of the Bill. He added that the legislation undermines the spirit of judicial directions, particularly the Supreme Court's recognition of CAPF officers as organised Group A services and its call to reduce deputation....