China Border
- Blogs
- September 13, 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security
In News
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering the proposal to raise Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) units along the India–China border, on the lines of those already operational along the India–Pakistan frontier.
Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) – An Overview
Nature & Recruitment:
- BWHGs are recruited from the civilian population residing in border areas.
- They function as an auxiliary force to the Army and border guarding organizations (e.g., BSF) during emergencies.
- Voluntary in nature; personnel usually serve for 3–4 years.
Training & Funding:
- Training provided under a structured framework.
- 25% of training and financial assistance is borne by the Government of India, with the rest by respective states.
Current Deployment:
- 15 Battalions raised in border states:
- Punjab – 6 battalions
- Rajasthan – 4 battalions
- Gujarat – 2 battalions
- Meghalaya – 1 battalion
- Tripura – 1 battalion
- West Bengal – 1 battalion
Need for BWHGs Along the India–China Border
Challenging Terrain:
- The India–China border is characterised by high-altitude, difficult terrain, and low population density, making regular surveillance difficult.
Strategic Concerns:
- Increasing reports of incursions, transgressions, and attempted infiltration demand stronger local vigilance.
Force Multiplier Role:
- Local civilian recruits, familiar with terrain and conditions, can act as a supplementary manpower resource for quick alerts and early response.
Augmenting Security:
- BWHGs can support border guarding forces and Army units, thereby reducing their operational load in remote sectors.