This is a classic 'Administrative Minutiae' bouncer. It bypasses standard Polity books (Laxmikanth) and dives into the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Annual Report. The core trap is Federalism: confusing a State-level auxiliary force with Central rules. Strategy: For security bodies, always map the 'Parent Ministry' and 'Legal Basis' (State vs Centre).
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Are Home Guards in India raised under a Home Guards Act and under rules made by the Central Government?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"8.78 Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the States/UTs."
Why this source?
- Directly states how Home Guards are legally raised.
- Specifies that the Rules are those of the States/UTs (not rules made by the Central Government).
"Meghalaya has adapted the Assam Home Guards Acts and Rules, 1947 vide the Meghalaya Adaptation of Laws Order No.4). 1947"
Why this source?
- Shows a State (Meghalaya) adopting a specific Home Guards Act and Rules (Assam Home Guards Acts and Rules, 1947).
- Supports that Home Guards arrangements are implemented at the State/UT level via adaptation of Acts/rules.
"The organisation is also guided by the instructions laid in the Home Guards Compendium of Instruction, 2007, Governmene of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi."
Why this source?
- Shows the central government (Ministry of Home Affairs) issues guidance (Compendium of Instruction, 2007).
- Indicates central guidance exists but does not state that rules are made by the Central Government.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2022 TEST PAPER > p. 765
Strength: 5/5
“B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? • (a) Both Statement-l and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I • (b) Both Statement-! and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I • (C) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect • (D) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct 15. With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.”
Why relevant
Snippet explicitly records the exact claim as a formal statement to be considered about Home Guards, indicating this is a recognized legal-technical proposition.
How to extend
A student could take this wording and look up the Home Guards Act or exam answer keys to verify whether the claim is affirmed or negated.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 41: Union Territories > ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF UNION TERRITORIES > p. 412
Strength: 3/5
“Under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry for all matters of Union Territories relating to legislation, finance and budget, services and appointment of Lt. Governors and Administrators.
All the five un-wit legislature (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh , Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Ladakh) have the forum.”
Why relevant
Explains that the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal central ministry for many matters relating to Union Territories and administration.
How to extend
A student might infer that if Home Guards fall under internal security/administration, MHA could frame rules—so they would check MHA notifications or rules for Home Guards.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 74: Public Services > All-India Services > p. 546
Strength: 3/5
“They are: • IAS by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions • IPS by the Ministry of Home Affairs • IFoS by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change It must be mentioned here that the AII-India Services are controlled jointly by the Central and state governments. The ultimate control lies with the Central Government while the immediate control vests with the state governments. Their salaries and pensions are met by the states. However, the disciplinary action (imposition of penalties) against these officers can only be taken by the Central government. Presently, there are twenty-six state cadres in all for the All-India Services.”
Why relevant
Describes a general pattern where the Central Government makes rules for All-India Services (e.g., recruitment/service conditions) showing central rule-making over certain personnel matters.
How to extend
By analogy, a student could ask whether Home Guards are treated as a centrally-ruled force and search for an Act/rules specifying central rule-making.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 74: Public Services > All-India Services > p. 545
Strength: 3/5
“However, the Constituent Assembly included provisions with respect to the All-India Services, which were approved. These provisions (under Article 312) not only gave a constitutional status to the All-India Services but also provided for the creation of new All-India Services. The All-India Services Act of 1951 authorised the Central Government to make rules in consultation with the state governments for the regulation of recruitment and service conditions of the members of All-India Services. The members of these Services are recruited and trained by the Central Government, but are assigned to different states for work. They are 'borne on different state cadres; the'Gentre having"no cadre of its own in this regard”
Why relevant
Shows the All-India Services Act authorised the Central Government to make rules in consultation with states—an example of central rule-making under a statute for forces/services.
How to extend
A student could use this pattern to look for a statutory provision (a 'Home Guards Act') that delegates rule-making to the Central Government.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 65: Central Bureau of Investigation > CBI VS. STATE POLICE > p. 506
Strength: 2/5
“t CBI VS. STATE POLICE The role of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (a division of CBI) is supplementary to that of the state police forces. Along with state police forces, the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) enjoys concurrent powers of investigation and prosecution for offences under the Delhi Special Police Act. Establishment Act, 1946. However, to avoid duplication and overlapping of cases between these two agencies, the following administrative arrangements have been made: (i) The OSPE shall take up such cases which are essentially and substantially concerned with the Central Government's affairs or employees, even if they also involve certain state government employees. (ii) The State Police force shall take up such cases which are substantially concerned with the state government's affairs or employees, even if they also involve certain Central Government employees.”
Why relevant
Illustrates the distinction and division of roles between central investigative agencies and state police, highlighting that some forces/functions are centrally regulated while others are state subjects.
How to extend
A student could use this central-vs-state division as a heuristic to determine whether Home Guards are likely under state legislation or central rules, then check the relevant jurisdictions' statutes.
Statement 2
Do Home Guards in India serve as an auxiliary force to the police for the maintenance of internal security?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The role of Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of law and order and internal security situations, help the community in any kind of emergency such as an air raid,"
Why this source?
- Explicitly states the role of Home Guards as an auxiliary force to the police.
- Specifies the purpose: maintenance of law and order and internal security situations.
"as an auxiliary force to the State police in the maintenance of law and order and internal security situations, help the community in any kind of emergency such as an air raid, fire, cyclone, earthquake, epidemic, etc.,"
Why this source?
- Official Ministry of Home Affairs report wording that Home Guards serve as an auxiliary force to State police.
- Directly links that auxiliary role to maintenance of law and order and internal security situations.
"Role of Home Guards 1. To serve as an auxiliary to the police and assist in maintaining internal security."
Why this source?
- State Home Guards official site clearly lists 'serve as an auxiliary to the police' as a primary role.
- Specifically ties that auxiliary role to assisting in maintaining internal security.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 65: Central Bureau of Investigation > CBI VS. STATE POLICE > p. 506
Strength: 5/5
“t CBI VS. STATE POLICE The role of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (a division of CBI) is supplementary to that of the state police forces. Along with state police forces, the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) enjoys concurrent powers of investigation and prosecution for offences under the Delhi Special Police Act. Establishment Act, 1946. However, to avoid duplication and overlapping of cases between these two agencies, the following administrative arrangements have been made: (i) The OSPE shall take up such cases which are essentially and substantially concerned with the Central Government's affairs or employees, even if they also involve certain state government employees. (ii) The State Police force shall take up such cases which are substantially concerned with the state government's affairs or employees, even if they also involve certain Central Government employees.”
Why relevant
Describes the Delhi Special Police Establishment as 'supplementary' to state police, illustrating an established pattern of auxiliary/supplementary forces working with police.
How to extend
A student could infer that other organised bodies (like Home Guards) might play a similar supplementary role and then check whether Home Guards are organised/mandated to assist police.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Evolution of Police System in Modern India > p. 517
Strength: 4/5
“In pre-colonial India, the governments, under the Mughals and other native states, were autocratic in nature, and lacked a separate or formal police system. However, there have been watch guards since time immemorial protecting villages at night. Later, under the Mughal rule there were the faujdars who helped in maintaining law and order, and amils who were basically revenue collectors but had to contend with rebels, if any. The kotwal was responsible for maintenance of law and order in the cities. Even during the dual rule in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa between 1765 and 1772 the zamindars were expected to maintain the staff including thanedars for law and order duties and for maintaining peace, as well as dealing with crime and criminals.”
Why relevant
Notes historical local 'watch guards' and officials (kotwal, faujdars) helping to maintain law and order, giving an example pattern of non-police local forces aiding policing functions.
How to extend
Using this pattern, a student could compare the Home Guards' duties/structure with historical auxiliary roles to judge plausibility that they assist police in internal security.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Evolution of Police System in Modern India > p. 518
Strength: 4/5
“The police gradually succeeded in curbing criminal acts, such as dacoity, thugee, etc. But, while dealing with the public, the attitude of the police was unsympathetic. The police was also used to suppress the national movement. The British did not create an All-India Police. The Police Act, 1861 presented the guidelines for a police setup in the provinces. The ranks were uniformly introduced all over the country. 1902 The Police Commission recommended the establishment of CID (Criminal Investigation Department) in the provinces and a Central Intelligence Bureau at the Centre.”
Why relevant
Describes the evolution of policing and the creation of auxiliary bodies like CID and central intelligence, indicating the police system often includes supplementary agencies for law-and-order functions.
How to extend
A student could reason that contemporary Home Guards might fit into this broader pattern of supplementary agencies and seek statutory/administrative references showing their role vis-à-vis police.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The Marathas > Police System > p. 236
Strength: 3/5
“Watchmen, generally the Mahars, were employed in every village. But whenever crime was on the rise, government sent forces from the irregular infantry to control crimes. The residents of the disturbed area had to pay an additional house tax to meet the expenditure arising out of maintaining these armed forces. Baji Rao II appointed additional police officers to detect and seize offenders. In the urban areas, magisterial and police powers were given to the Kotwal. Their additional duties were to monitor the prices, take a census of the inhabitants, conduct trials on civil cases, supply labour to the government and levy fees from the professional duties given to the Nagarka or police superintendent.”
Why relevant
Mentions village watchmen and ad hoc forces sent to control crime, an example of civilian/irregular forces used for internal security in times of need.
How to extend
A student could analogise that modern Home Guards could be the institutionalised successor to such civilian watch forces and investigate official duties and deployment practices.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 67: National Investigation Agency > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 513
Strength: 3/5
“The NIA is headed by a Director-General. He/she is appointed by the central government. His/her powers are similar to the powers exercisable by a Director-General of Police in respect of the police force in a state. The NIA works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The state government extends all assistance and cooperation to the NIA for investigation of the offences specified under the NIA Act.”
Why relevant
Explains that a central investigation agency works under the Home Ministry with state assistance, showing institutional cooperation between central bodies and state police for security tasks.
How to extend
A student could use this example of inter-agency cooperation to justify checking whether Home Guards are similarly integrated with police chains of command for internal security duties.
Statement 3
Have Border Wing Home Guards battalions been raised in some Indian states?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Besides Rural and Urban Home Guards components, in Border States, 18 Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Bns. have also been raised, which serve as an auxiliary to the Border Security Force (BSF)."
Why this source?
- Official MHA annual report explicitly states Border Wing Home Guards battalions have been raised.
- Specifies the total number (18) of such battalions serving as an auxiliary to the BSF in border states.
"Eighteen Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Bns. have also been raised in the border States viz. Punjab (6 Bns.), Rajasthan (4 Bns.), Gujarat (4 Bns.) and one each Bn. for Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal"
Why this source?
- MHA report lists the Border Wing Home Guards battalions and the specific states where they were raised.
- Gives counts by state (e.g., Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and one each for Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal).
"Border Wing Home Guards Battalion: Meghalaya is one amongst 7 other border states of India which is authorised to have Border Wing Home Guards Battalion."
Why this source?
- State (Meghalaya) government site confirms authorization to have a Border Wing Home Guards Battalion.
- Indicates Meghalaya is among the border states with such a special unit.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2022 TEST PAPER > p. 765
Strength: 5/5
“B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? • (a) Both Statement-l and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I • (b) Both Statement-! and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I • (C) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect • (D) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct 15. With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.”
Why relevant
Mentions Home Guards and legal/administrative framework (Home Guards Act and Central Rules), establishing that Home Guards are an organised, government-recognised force.
How to extend
A student could infer that variants or specialised wings (e.g., 'Border Wing') could be created under this framework and check state orders or notifications for such battalions in border states.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED 1 > p. 482
Strength: 4/5
“They can be found out only through some peaceful machinery and not force.<sup>22_23</sup> Not only the security of India but the entire social and The problem of infiltration from Bangladesh has threatened the political structure of India. The mass infiltration of Bangladeshis into the border States of Assam and West Bengal. The question involved is not communal but legal, namely that of sovereignty. No independent state, other than India, would welcome infiltrators from another state. As early as 1964-65, cases brought before the Calcutta high court clearly demonstrated that a large number of immigrants had overstayed after expiry of their visas, with the support of their kinsmen or friends in the bordering districts of West Bengal.”
Why relevant
Describes mass infiltration and security threats in border States like Assam and West Bengal, implying a need for local auxiliary/security units.
How to extend
A student could use this to expect that these states might raise additional local forces (such as Border Wing Home Guards) and then look up state-level Home Guard deployments or press reports from those states.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India-Myanmar Boundary > p. 49
Strength: 4/5
“along the borders of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The boundary was delimited precisely by a bilateral treaty signed on March 10, 1967. Some difficulty came near Diphu Pass, the tri-junction between India, Myanmar, and China. India's claim has been that the Dipuh Pass is not the tri-junction but rather a few kilometers south of it.
Insurgency and smuggling are the main problems along the India-Myanmar border. On the Myanmar side, the Communist supported rebels are playing a significant role in instigating Karnes, Kachins and”
Why relevant
Identifies insurgency and smuggling as main problems along borders of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, indicating heightened local security requirements in specific states.
How to extend
Combine this with knowledge of which states border other countries to target searches for 'border' or 'border wing' Home Guard units in these north-eastern states.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > SPECIAL PROVISIONS > p. 170
Strength: 3/5
“Most of the special provisions pertain to the north eastern States (Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc.) largely due to their sizeable indigenous tribal population with a distinct history and culture. However, these provisions have not been able to stem alienation and the insurgency in parts of the region. Special provisions also exist for hilly States like Himachal Pradesh and some other States like Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra Sikkim and Telangana.”
Why relevant
Notes special provisions for north-eastern states due to insurgency and distinct conditions, suggesting central/state responsiveness to security needs in those regions.
How to extend
A student could infer that such responsiveness might include raising specialised Home Guard battalions (Border Wing) in those states and then verify via state government or police/Home Guard records.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India-Bangladesh Relations > p. 62
Strength: 3/5
“The ownership of several villages on both sides of the border are disputed and claimed by both the countries. According to the Bangladesh government, ever since the liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan) by Indian forces in 1971. Indian forces have occupied a small silver of land along their border near the village of Beerdivah. On April 18, troops of Bangladesh Rifles (border troops) occupied the disputed village. In the fighting that followed, Bangladesh claims that 15 members of India's border forces. In Border Security Forces (BSF) were killed, along with several of the attacking soldiers. However, India claims a far lower death toll.”
Why relevant
Discusses clashes and casualties involving border forces (e.g., BSF) along international borders, highlighting persistent border security challenges.
How to extend
Using this, a student might reason that states facing cross-border incidents could supplement central forces by deploying Border Wing Home Guard units and search local sources for such deployments.
Statement 4
Are Border Wing Home Guards battalions in India specifically raised to prevent infiltration on international borders and coastal areas?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Eighteen Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Bns. have also been raised in the border States ... to serve as an auxiliary to Border Security Force for preventing infiltration on"
Why this source?
- Explicitly states Border Wing Home Guards battalions have been raised in border States.
- Directly links these battalions to serving as an auxiliary to the BSF “for preventing infiltration.”
"the international border/coastal areas, guarding of vulnerable areas/vulnerable points and lines of communication in vulnerable areas at the time of external aggression."
Why this source?
- Describes Home Guards' duties including deployment on the international border and coastal areas.
- Specifically mentions guarding vulnerable areas/points and lines of communication at times of external aggression, aligning with border/coastal security roles.
"In border States, Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Battalions have also been raised, which serve as an auxiliary to the Border Security Force (BSF)."
Why this source?
- Confirms that Border Wing Home Guards battalions have been raised in border States.
- States these battalions serve as an auxiliary to the Border Security Force (BSF), implying a role in border security operations.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 67: National Investigation Agency > RATIONALE > p. 513
Strength: 5/5
“~RATIONALE While introducing the NIA Bill , 2008, in the Parliam ent, th e .Government of India gave the following reasons fo r creating the NIA: 1. Over the past several years, India has been the victim of large-scale terrorism. spon sored from ac ross the borders. The re have been innumerable incidents of terrorist attacks, not only in the mili· tancy and insurgency affected areas and areas affected by left·wing extremism, but also in the form of terrorist attacks and bomb blasts, etc., in various parts of the hinterland and major cities, etc. • 2 . A large number of such incidents are found to have complex inter-state and international linkages, and possible connection with other activities like the smuggling of arms and drugs, pushing in and circulation of fake Indian currency, infiltration from across the borders, etc.• 3”
Why relevant
Identifies 'infiltration from across the borders' as a distinct security problem linked with terrorism and cross-border crime.
How to extend
A student could infer that security forces might be specially organized/expanded to counter infiltration and then check if 'Border Wing Home Guards' are one such organizational response.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > CROSS BORDER TERRORISM > p. 51
Strength: 4/5
“Terrorism, especially the cross border terrorism is a matter of great concen for the internal security of the country. Terrorism from across the border is creating a lot of problems for the government and the people of India. Pakistan, in keeping with its anti-India stance over the years, has been using state-sponsored terrorism as an important instrument of its foreign policy. The threat from ISI is real and grave and its primary focus is to undermine India's internal security. Terrorism in India can be attributed to India's low intensity conflicts within its borders. If terrorism can be defined as 'peacetime equivalent of war crime', then these sites of low intensity conflicts are prime spots for terrorism in India.”
Why relevant
Describes cross-border terrorism as a major internal-security concern, implying the need for dedicated border-oriented units.
How to extend
Use this pattern to ask whether Home Guards have border-specific wings or battalions tasked with preventing such threats, by consulting organizational role descriptions or government orders.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India-Bangladesh Relations > p. 62
Strength: 4/5
“The ownership of several villages on both sides of the border are disputed and claimed by both the countries. According to the Bangladesh government, ever since the liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan) by Indian forces in 1971. Indian forces have occupied a small silver of land along their border near the village of Beerdivah. On April 18, troops of Bangladesh Rifles (border troops) occupied the disputed village. In the fighting that followed, Bangladesh claims that 15 members of India's border forces. In Border Security Forces (BSF) were killed, along with several of the attacking soldiers. However, India claims a far lower death toll.”
Why relevant
Mentions Border Security Force (BSF) personnel casualties in a border dispute, showing that border guarding is handled by specific named units.
How to extend
Compare the stated mandate of BSF (a border-specific force) with any roles assigned to Home Guards' 'border wing' to see if prevention of infiltration is explicitly their purpose.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Indo-Bangladesh Border > p. 43
Strength: 3/5
“A fourth dispute existed in the boundary zone between Barisari and Gobindpur. In April 2001, Bangladesh Rifles personnel forcefully occupied Peerdivah village (Meghalaya) and brutally killed 18 Border Security Force personnel. This generated a lot of tension between India and Bangladesh.”
Why relevant
Records an incident involving Bangladesh Rifles and BSF, illustrating that cross-border incursions and confrontations are a recurring issue requiring border forces.
How to extend
A student could extend this by checking whether jurisdictions/roles of Home Guards' border units overlap with those of established border forces (BSF/BDR), suggesting a preventive role.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India-Myanmar Boundary > p. 50
Strength: 3/5
“Shans to fight for their independence from Myanamar. Similarly, on the Indian side, the Nagas and Mizos, etc. are receiving aid and encouragement from the Chinese and Myanmar (Burmese) Communists. Moreover, a lot of smuggling of drugs and narcotics is going on along this border. Barring a few minor incidents, the Indo-Myanmar border has remained peaceful.”
Why relevant
Points out smuggling and insurgency along the India–Myanmar border, highlighting non-military cross-border problems (smuggling, insurgency) that border units might be tasked to prevent.
How to extend
From this, one could look for whether Home Guards' border formations are oriented toward anti-smuggling/infiltration duties in coastal or land-border areas.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC is testing the 'Federal Architecture of Security'. They want you to distinguish between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs like CRPF, BSF) which are Central, and Auxiliary bodies (Home Guards) which are State-raised. The pattern is to swap 'Central' for 'State' in the legal definition.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Bouncer / Trap. Source: MHA Annual Report (Chapter on Police Forces). Standard books like Laxmikanth do not cover Home Guards in detail.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: GS3 Internal Security syllabus: 'Various Security Forces and agencies and their mandate.' This Mains topic bled into Prelims.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Second Line' forces: 1) Civil Defence (Civil Defence Act 1968, Central Act but State implementation). 2) Territorial Army (MoD, not MHA). 3) NCC (MoD). 4) Fire Services (State Subject, 12th Schedule). 5) Village Defence Guards (J&K specific).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading about forces (BSF, CRPF, etc.), ask three questions: Is it Statutory? Is it Central or State? Is it Military or Police? The 'Auxiliary to Police' phrase in Statement 2 was the biggest hint that it likely follows the State Police jurisdiction.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Central rule-making under Acts
💡 The insight
A statute can expressly authorize the Central Government to make rules for implementation, which is the precise mechanism by which an organisation might be 'raised under an Act and rules of the Central Government'.
Understanding delegated legislation is high-yield for questions on how bodies and services are constituted and regulated; it links to administrative law and examples of Acts that empower the Centre to frame rules, enabling candidates to identify when central rule-making applies versus state rule-making.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 74: Public Services > All-India Services > p. 545
- Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 1: THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND > Utility of a Historical Retrospect. > p. 5
🔗 Anchor: "Are Home Guards in India raised under a Home Guards Act and under rules made by ..."
👉 Centre–State control over services and administrative subjects
💡 The insight
Whether an organisation is under central or state control depends on the constitutional/administrative allocation of subjects and the specific control provisions for services.
Mastering Centre–State divisions and control mechanisms (e.g., All-India Services, nodal ministries) helps answer questions on which level of government can legislate or make rules; it connects to federalism, public services, and administrative allocation questions frequently asked in UPSC.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 74: Public Services > All-India Services > p. 546
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 41: Union Territories > ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF UNION TERRITORIES > p. 412
🔗 Anchor: "Are Home Guards in India raised under a Home Guards Act and under rules made by ..."
👉 Auxiliary / supplementary forces to the police
💡 The insight
The concept of non-regular units acting in a supporting role to state police directly parallels the claim about Home Guards functioning as an auxiliary force.
High-yield for questions on internal security architecture: explains roles of non-police agencies and how they augment law-and-order duties. Connects to questions on delegation of policing functions and emergency augmentation of forces, enabling candidates to compare agencies (regular police vs supplementary bodies) and answer structure/role-based questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 65: Central Bureau of Investigation > CBI VS. STATE POLICE > p. 506
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Evolution of Police System in Modern India > p. 518
🔗 Anchor: "Do Home Guards in India serve as an auxiliary force to the police for the mainte..."
👉 Centre–State policing roles and cooperation
💡 The insight
Central investigative and security agencies work alongside state police, illustrating cooperative frameworks relevant to auxiliary force arrangements.
Important for UPSC topics on federal aspects of internal security: clarifies when central agencies intervene, how assistance is provided, and administrative control lines. Useful for questions on jurisdiction, coordination, and constitutional/federal dimensions of law enforcement.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 67: National Investigation Agency > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 513
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 65: Central Bureau of Investigation > CBI VS. STATE POLICE > p. 506
🔗 Anchor: "Do Home Guards in India serve as an auxiliary force to the police for the mainte..."
👉 Local and historical security arrangements (watchmen, kotwals, thanedars)
💡 The insight
Historic village and city watch systems show longstanding use of local auxiliary personnel to maintain order, a conceptual precursor to organised auxiliary units.
Useful for essays and history-linked internal security questions: connects evolution of policing from local watch systems to formal police and auxiliary units, allowing candidates to trace institutional development and answer comparative/analytical prompts.
📚 Reading List :
- Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Evolution of Police System in Modern India > p. 517
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The Marathas > Police System > p. 236
🔗 Anchor: "Do Home Guards in India serve as an auxiliary force to the police for the mainte..."
👉 Border disputes between regions
💡 The insight
Border disputes often stem from linguistic and demographic overlaps in boundary areas and can produce long‑standing territorial claims.
High-yield for federalism and internal security questions: explains causes of inter-regional friction, relates to centre–region dispute resolution mechanisms, and helps answer questions on boundary management and administrative reorganisation.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Interstate Conflicts > p. 169
🔗 Anchor: "Have Border Wing Home Guards battalions been raised in some Indian states?"
👉 Insurgency and cross-border security in the Northeast
💡 The insight
Insurgency and smuggling are major security challenges along the India–Myanmar boundary affecting Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Crucial for internal security and border management topics: links to deployment of paramilitary forces, border policing strategies, and policies on infiltration and cross-border crime; useful for essays and mains questions on security and development in border areas.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India-Myanmar Boundary > p. 49
🔗 Anchor: "Have Border Wing Home Guards battalions been raised in some Indian states?"
Civil Defence Organization. Often mentioned in the same MHA chapter as Home Guards. Key Fact: The Civil Defence Act, 1968 is a Central Act, but the 'Civil Defence Corps' are raised by State Governments. Unlike Home Guards (which are for law and order), Civil Defence is primarily for 'hostile attacks' and disaster management.
Apply the 'Schedule 7 Filter'. 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State Subjects. Home Guards are explicitly an 'auxiliary to the police'. Therefore, it is constitutionally illogical for them to be raised under 'Rules of the Central Government'. Administrative logic dictates that a force attached to the State Police must be governed by State Rules. This eliminates Statement 1.
Mains GS3 (Internal Security - Border Management). The 'Border Wing Home Guards' (Statement 3) are a prime example of 'Force Multipliers' and 'Community Policing' in border areas, used to assist the BSF in anti-infiltration grids without expanding the permanent standing army.