No focus on fitness, miffed ITBP chief cracks the whip

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 14

Miffed at finding a poor turnout of officers and men at a routine PT parade during a visit to a field unit, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) chief has taken the force’s establishments to task over their laxity towards maintaining fitness standards.

The Director General of ITBP had pointed out that not only was the unit’s commandant not present for PT, but even those officers who were there were not aware of the route and tracks for running and other exercises.

“Such type of attitude is not only affecting individual physical standards but also downgrading overall fitness of the force,” states a signal sent last week to all formations by the Training Branch at ITBP Headquarters.

Directing all formations to ensure the presence of all members of the formation, irrespective of rank and cadre, in PT and games and to undertake physical exercises without fail, the signal adds that any lapse found in future would be treated as an act of indiscipline.

Tasked with the peace-time management of the border with China, the ITBP has an authorised strength of 89,433 personnel. A large chunk of the force is deployed in the Himalayas, making its personnel prone to several high-altitude health hazards. A recent study showed 20 per cent of the force personnel suffer from cold weather injuries and medical problems. Stress and strain of service in difficult terrain as well as lifestyle disorders like obesity, hypertension, diabetes and stroke are other issues that the force has to deal with.

Earlier this year, the ITBP had made refresher physical training courses mandatory for all senior officers with an aim to ensure high levels of fitness in its top hierarchy. 

Physical fitness and health issues are a matter of concern with all central armed police forces (CAPFs) that function under the Ministry of Home Affairs, where the retirement age is to be fixed at 60 for all ranks as per a Supreme Court ruling.

‘Wants no lapses in future’

• During a visit to a field unit, the ITBP chief was taken aback by the poor turnout at a routine PT parade. The unit’s commandant was not present and even those officers who were there were not aware of the route and exercises
• Directing all formations to ensure the presence of all members in PT and games and to undertake physical exercises without fail, a signal has been sent that any lapse in future would be treated as an act of indiscipline