New Delhi, Mar 7: The number of jawans and officers who have resigned or taken voluntary retirement from central paramilitary forces has increased in the last three years. Reports say that a total of 27,862 jawans/officers of central paramilitary forces have taken the step for better career opportunities since 2015 till January 31 this year. Also Read - CRPF Issues New Guidelines, Bans Use of Smartphones by Staff in 'High-Sensitivity Areas'

As per the figures tabled by the ministry of home affairs in Parliament, 14,587 personnel including gazetted officers of central paramilitary forces – CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF and Assam Rifles—have resigned or taken voluntary retirement from service in 2017 as compared to only 3,422 in 2015 and 8,912 in 2016. (ALSO READ – Forgot to Use ‘Honourable’, ‘Shri’ Before PM Modi’s Name, BSF Jawan Loses 7 Days’ Pay) Also Read - For The First Time, A Female IPS Officer to Head Terrorist-Hit Srinagar Sector For CRPF

The statistics reveal that the trend is particularly seen in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which is crucial for maintaining law and order duty and fighting extremists in J&K and north-east, and Border Security Force (BSF), which guards India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Also Read - Jammu: Hidden Tunnel, 8-10 Sandbags With 'Pakistani Markings' Detected by BSF; Search Operation Underway

In 2015, only 1,156 constables/head constables and other lower staff in CRPF left the job whereas, the number increased to 4,154 in 2017. On the other hand, 35 gazetted officers had left CRPF in 2015 whereas, 59 left in 2017.

Reacting to the trend, a senior official said that it is going to continue till 2024 as the jawans/officers look out for better jobs in private sector like security agencies etc.