Civic action programmes conducted by para-military Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) in border areas have helped to bring the population there ito the national mainstream, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Friday said.

 

 SSB, the second largest border guarding force of the country, had the distinction of being the first to deploy women contingents on border guarding duties, Shinde said on the force's golden jubilee raising day.

 

 During the ceremony, Shinde took salute which was followed by a magnificent march past and felicitation of the awardees of president's police medal and Indian police medal.

 

 The home minister also released a coffee table book – "The Border Guards, Sashastra Seema Bal – Sentinels of Indo Nepal and Bhutan Borders", which showcases the journey of the force through five decades.