{
  "id": 15366281,
  "title": "CRPF mulls restoring two ranks abolished 30 years ago; here's why it is bringing lance naik, naik back",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/crpf-mulls-restoring-two-ranks-abolished-30-years-ago-heres-why-it-is",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-18T06:30:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/india/crpf-mulls-restoring-two-ranks-abolished-30-years-ago-heres-why-it-is-bringing-lance-naik-naik-back-11792304456717.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is contemplating the restoration of the military ranks of lance naik and naik, a decision roughly 30 years in the making. The proposal aims to tackle delayed promotions and accommodate Agniveers leaving the Army. The two ranks, abolished in 1997, would create additional promotion opportunities for constables before they become head constables. Currently, CRPF personnel average 22-25 years before their first promotion, leading to discontent among the force. Restoring lance naik and naik would provide constables with two chances for promotion before reaching head constable rank. The move could also attract Agniveers eligible to join the CRPF under the Agnipath scheme. Both ranks were once part of the CRPF's rank structure but were merged with constable and head constable ranks under a Ministry of Home Affairs order. If approved, the proposal would restore intermediate steps between constable and head constable. However, the feasibility of guaranteed promotions within a set timeframe remains unclear. The CRPF is seeking feedback from its field formations through stakeholder meetings to ensure the decision aligns with regimentation and operational efficiency.",
  "summary": "CRPF is considering restoring lance naik and naik ranks, abolished in 1997, to ease promotion delays and attract Agniveers leaving the Army. The proposal would add two promotion steps before Head Constable.",
  "key_points": [
    "CRPF considering restoring lance naik and naik ranks abolished in 1997",
    "Proposal aims to address delayed promotions and accommodate Agniveers",
    "Two ranks would create promotion opportunities before head constable"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}