The Central Reserve Police Force was created on July 27, 1939, as Crown Represantative's Police at Neemuch (M.P.) with one Batalion mainly to assist the Princely states to maintain law and order. After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Hme Minister, visualised a multi-dimensional role for the Force and rechristened it as Central Reserve Police Force. Since inception the Force has been assisting the states in the maintanance of law and order with great success. In he pre-independence era the Force was deployed in Sind (1942-44) to deal with the Hur menac. The Force was presented colours by te President in 1950 i recogntion of its glorious record of service. From 1950-59, the Force was widely used to defend the borders gainst Pakistani iintruders, and in the agitation in Kashmir vally. It faced he first burnt of the Cinese attack in 1959, when ten of its personnel laid down their lives fighting the Chinese on 21-10-59 at Hot Springs. In their memory October 21 is observed as Plice Commemoration Day all over the country. In 1965, the Force repulsed the Pakistani attack at Sardar Post in Rann-of-Kutch.

It fought shouldr to shoulder with the Army in the 1971 war against Pakistan for the liberation of Bangla Desh. Besides, the Force has been of very effective assistance in fighting divisive, disruptive and communal forces threatening the unity and integrity of the country, particularly the insurgency in the North-East, Naxalism in West Bangal, Bihar, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and terrorism in Punjab. It is also assisting the IPKF in Sri Lanka. It has captured over 4263 weapons since 1983. The Force has the reputation of impartiality in assisting in the conduct of General Elections and providing relief and rescue during natural calamities and disasters. For the various achievements, gallentry and sacrifieces the Force personnel have been awarded 107 President's Police Medals, 216 Police Medals, One Padma Shri, One Vir Chakra, 3 Sena Medals and 54 Life Saving Medals.

It has also won laurels in the field of sports and has Olympans in its ranks. the Force, having drawn men of all castes, creeds and regions of the country, not only contributes to national integration, but is also known for its secular, unbiased, impartial, dedicated and disciplined discharge of duties. Its strength now exceeds one lakh twenty thousand, comprising 98 battalions apart from 19 group centres, training institutions, work shops, hospitals etc. It has also the distinction of raising the first ever Mahila Battalion.

The stamp is released to commemorate completion of fifty years of the CRPF.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India