Agartala, May 16: In a significant step towards strengthening Tripura’s security infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of a new India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) for the state.
The approval was formally communicated to Tripura Chief Secretary J K Sinha through an official letter issued on May 15. According to the communication, the President of India has granted sanction for raising one additional India Reserve Battalion in the state.
Under the proposal, the Centre will provide a one-time financial grant of ₹50 crore for establishing the battalion. Additionally, nearly ₹30 crore is expected to be allocated for land acquisition and infrastructure development associated with the project.
Officials stated that the recruitment process for the new battalion is required to be completed within two years from the date of approval. The recruitment exercise will be supervised by a selection board headed by an officer of Additional Director General (ADG) rank.
The state administration has been directed to raise the force in accordance with the established guidelines governing armed police units. While the Union government will bear the initial expenditure required to set up the battalion, recurring operational costs and future infrastructure expenses will be handled by the state government.
The newly approved battalion is expected to play a key role in border security and anti-insurgency operations. As an India Reserve Battalion, it may also be deployed outside Tripura whenever required by the Centre for security duties in other parts of the country.
The development comes at a time when the Tripura government has already announced plans to recruit 916 constables, including women personnel, through direct recruitment. A six-member recruitment committee has also been constituted to oversee the process.
Officials noted that Tripura currently operates multiple Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and India Reserve battalions. Although battalions had previously been raised up to the 15th level, two units were later disbanded, leaving 13 active battalions, including an all-women battalion.
Authorities believe the newly sanctioned battalion will further strengthen the state’s law enforcement capacity, border management mechanisms and counter-insurgency preparedness.
