IBTP Chief Praveen Kumar Takes Additional Charge as DG of BSF

Praveen Kumar, the current Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has now taken additional charge as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). He stepped into this role on Sunday after the retirement of former BSF chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary.

Handover Ceremony Held in Raipur Instead of Delhi

The responsibility was officially handed over at a BSF camp in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Usually, such ceremonies are held at the BSF headquarters in New Delhi. However, this time it took place in Raipur because both officers were attending the DGs-IGs national police conference being held from Friday to Sunday.

Government Order on the Appointment

On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order giving Praveen Kumar the additional charge of BSF Director General. He will hold this position “until a permanent appointment is made or until further notice.”

Praveen Kumar’s Career and Experience

Praveen Kumar is a 1993-batch IPS officer from the West Bengal cadre. Before becoming the 35th ITBP chief in October 2024, he worked in several important roles:

• Served in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from 2009
• Worked as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Naxal-affected Midnapore Range
• Led multiple security operations in challenging areas

As ITBP Director General, Kumar also announced the creation of 10 all-women forward posts along the India-China border during the 64th Raising Day Parade in Udhampur. These posts cover the long 3,488-km border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

Daljit Singh Chawdhary’s Time as BSF Chief

Daljit Singh Chawdhary, a 1990-batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, took charge as BSF Director General in August 2024. His tenure is remembered for several key achievements:

• Led the BSF during Operation Sindoor in May, after the Pahalgam terror attack
• Created the first drone squadron and a drone training school for the BSF
• Encouraged more promotions and rewarded outstanding sportspersons in the force
• Reviewed law-and-order and immigration duties in violence-hit Manipur

Chawdhary is also a four-time police gallantry medal winner, showing his long-standing contribution to national security.

About the BSF

The Border Security Force is one of India’s largest border guarding forces, with around 2.70 lakh personnel. It protects the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and also supports internal security duties whenever needed.