Home Ministry has enhanced the powers of Border Security Force (BSF). Under the enhanced power, officers will have the power to search and arrest.

What are the enhanced powers?

• Officers will also have the power of seizure up to the extent of 50 km in three new states which are sharing international boundaries with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• They have been given the right to take this action under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Passport Act and Passport (Entry to India) Act.
• BSF officers will be able to conduct searches and arrests across a wider area in the states of Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
• In the mentioned states, the BSF will have the right to search and arrest just like state police.
• They also have the power to search and arrest in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and Ladakh.

Why this decision was taken?

• As per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the decision to expand the jurisdiction of BSF was taken in the backdrop of recent droppings of drone weapons from across the border.
• This decision will help in curbing illegal activities related to national security across 10 states and two Union Territories.
• However, it is likely to raise administrative and political issues.