In a historic first for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assistant Commandant Simran Bala will lead an all-male CRPF contingent at the Republic Day parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
At just 26 years of age, Bala’s selection marks a significant milestone for the country’s largest paramilitary force, where leadership of all-male formations at the national parade has traditionally been held by male officers. While women officers have earlier commanded women-only or mixed contingents, this is the first time a woman officer will lead a fully male CRPF unit at the ceremonial march.
Bala hails from Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir and joined the CRPF after clearing the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination. She underwent training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram and later served in operational areas, including counter-insurgency deployments, earning praise from seniors for her discipline and leadership skills.
Officials said Bala was selected after a rigorous evaluation process that included multiple rounds of rehearsals, drill assessments and command reviews ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. She will command a contingent of over 140 male personnel during the parade.
Speaking on the occasion, Bala described the opportunity as an honour and a responsibility, saying it reflects the trust the force has placed in her leadership. Senior CRPF officers noted that her appointment underscores the organisation’s emphasis on merit and professionalism, irrespective of gender.
The development has been widely welcomed within the force and beyond, with officials and observers describing it as a symbol of the growing role of women in India’s armed and paramilitary services.
As preparations continue for the Republic Day celebrations, Bala’s leadership of the CRPF contingent is expected to stand out as a powerful statement on inclusion, capability and changing norms within India’s security forces.
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