Bikaner, May 26 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday interacted with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the historic Sanchu Post along the India-Pakistan international border in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district and virtually inaugurated newly built women’s barracks aimed at strengthening infrastructure for female border personnel.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, senior Home Ministry officials, and BSF leadership.
Addressing BSF personnel, Shah praised the force for safeguarding the country’s borders under extreme conditions and paid tribute to more than 2,000 border guards who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He said the nation remains indebted to their courage and dedication.
Highlighting the government’s push for gender-inclusive security forces, Shah said women are playing an increasingly significant role in national security and assured that all essential facilities for women personnel deployed on border duty would be ensured by 2030.
He informed that Rajasthan has been sanctioned 79 women’s barracks, of which 67 have already been completed at an estimated cost of around ₹39 crore. Fourteen barracks were inaugurated during the event. Across BSF border areas, a total of 356 women’s barracks will be built at a cost of nearly ₹200 crore.
Shah said India’s security framework has undergone a major transformation since 2014, with modernisation of armed and border forces becoming a priority. He reiterated the government’s policy of delivering a firm response to terrorism and stressed the need to achieve zero infiltration through a “quadrilateral security grid” involving BSF, armed forces, local administration, and border residents.
The Home Minister lauded BSF personnel for their role during ‘Operation Sindoor’, saying the force displayed determination and helped maintain public morale in border districts while responding effectively to cross-border threats.
Recalling the historic significance of Sanchu Post during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Shah said the bravery of security personnel ensured the area remained within Indian territory. He noted that the victory is commemorated annually as “Sanchu Diwas”.
Shah also highlighted ongoing border infrastructure projects, including construction of a 1,096-km lateral road and a 520-km axial road in Rajasthan’s desert region to improve troop mobility and connectivity. He added that work on advanced fencing systems is underway and drinking water pipelines have been completed for nearly 180 border posts in Rajasthan.
The Home Minister emphasised the evolving role of the BSF, urging personnel to remain vigilant against infiltration, smuggling, illegal construction, narcotics trafficking, and drone-based threats. He announced that anti-drone systems would begin installation within six months and stressed closer coordination with civil authorities and police for effective action.
Shah further urged the BSF to support development of border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme to ensure greater awareness, welfare coverage, and stronger community participation in border security.
He also highlighted environmental efforts by Central Armed Police Forces, noting that CAPF personnel have planted more than 7.35 crore trees over the last five years. During the visit, Shah planted a Khejri sapling, describing it as a vital and life-sustaining tree for desert regions.
