Sashastra Seema Bal Border Forces, 60 Years

Diamond Jubilee of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The Chinese aggression of 1962 was a turning point in India’s national security outlook. It compelled policymakers to rethink strategies, particularly concerning China. Beyond military responses, an out-of-the-box solution was envisioned, leading to the creation of the Special Service Bureau (SSB) in 1963 under the Cabinet Secretariat at Tezpur, Assam, and in the North-Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA), later renamed Arunachal Pradesh.

Early Expansion and Role as People’s Force

Over the years, SSB extended its presence across vulnerable border areas of North Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Hills, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Manipur, Sikkim, Rajasthan, South Bengal, Nagaland, and Assam. Guided by its motto “Service, Security and Brotherhood”, SSB became widely known as a People’s Force.

It earned the trust of border populations by providing:

• Medical and veterinary care
• Infrastructural support
• Civic programmes

SSB became the visible face of the Indian Government in remote areas, instilling patriotism and vigilance among border men and women.

Transition to Armed Border Guard

After the Kargil War (1999), policy makers reassessed SSB’s role. The Group of Ministers (2001) recommended transforming SSB from a “People’s Force” into a uniformed armed border guarding force.

• In 2001, SSB was mandated to guard the 1751 km Indo-Nepal border.
• In 2004, it was additionally tasked to guard the 699 km Indo-Bhutan border.

SSB now functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with a strong presence across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Organization and Deployment

Today, SSB is a formidable force of 89,904 personnel, projected to expand to 1,00,000 by 2026. It guards 2450 km of India’s international borders across diverse terrains — from the Tarai plains to Assam’s rainforests and the high-altitude frontiers of Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Organizational Structure:

• 6 Frontiers – Ranikhet, Lucknow, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati, Tezpur
• 18 Sectors – including Almora, Pilibhit, Gorakhpur, Purnea, Ranidanga, Gangtok, Bomdila, etc.
• 59 Battalions – including 05 in J&K (IS duties) and 07 in LWE-affected states (Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh).

Roles and Achievements

SSB plays a vital role in curbing:

• Cross-border crimes – fake currency, narcotics, arms peddling, human trafficking, wildlife trade.
• Anti-national activities – illegal infiltration and third-country nationals’ movement.

Its presence has also indirectly contributed to forest and wildlife conservation in protected reserves like Manas National Park, Dudhwa National Park, Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Raimona National Park, and Rajaji National Park.

Honours and Gallantry

SSB officers and jawans have brought great glory to the nation with their valour and service, earning:

• 1 Kirti Chakra
• 4 Padma Shri
• 6 Shaurya Chakra
• 2 President’s Police Medals for Gallantry
• 25 Police Medals for Gallantry
• 83 President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service
• 551 Police Medals for Meritorious Service
• 24 Prime Minister’s Medals for Life Saving, and many more.

Philatelic Tribute

In recognition of its Diamond Jubilee, the Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The stamp honours SSB’s unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and service in guarding India’s borders and fostering the spirit of Service, Security, and Brotherhood.