26-Year-Old CRPF Officer Simran Bala Set to Lead All-Male Contingent in Republic Day Parade
New Delhi : In a landmark development for India’s paramilitary forces, Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will command an all-male marching contingent during the Republic Day parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
The 26-year-old officer, hailing from Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, will lead more than 140 male personnel drawn from various operational units of the CRPF. This marks the first time in the history of the country’s largest central armed police force that a woman officer will head such an all-male formation at the national event. Officials noted that while women CRPF officers have previously commanded contingents in Republic Day parades, this occasion represents a unique milestone, as no female officer has yet led a group exceeding 140 male members in this ceremonial role.
Bala’s selection followed an intensive selection process involving multiple stages, including extended rehearsals, full-dress practice drills, and detailed command evaluations conducted along Kartavya Path. Her performance in these assessments highlighted her discipline, leadership abilities, and command presence, earning her the position.
A graduate in political science, Bala joined the CRPF after successfully clearing the Union Public Service Commission’s Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) examination on her first attempt, achieving a rank in the top 100. She completed her foundational training at the CRPF Academy in Gurugram, where she was recognized as one of the top performers in her batch for her strong discipline, leadership qualities, and communication skills. Notably, she is the first woman from her district to enter the CRPF in an officer rank.
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Officials described the assignment as a significant step in evolving leadership dynamics within uniformed services. Preparations for the parade commenced over a month ago, underscoring the rigorous standards required for participation in the prestigious national ceremony.
This development aligns with broader progress in incorporating women into prominent roles across India’s security apparatus. The Republic Day parade will also feature other notable elements, including a joint team of women ‘dare devils’ from the CRPF and Sashastra Seema Bal performing on Enfield Bullet motorcycles—a segment previously showcased in 2020—alongside contingents from forces such as the Central Industrial Security Force and Border Security Force’s camel-mounted units.
Bala’s forthcoming role stands as a powerful symbol of determination and capability, particularly inspiring young women from border regions like Rajouri, where service in uniform carries deep resonance amid ongoing security challenges.