The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a major expansion of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) under which two new battalions will be raised. Each newly sanctioned battalion will have 1,025 personnel, increasing the total strength of CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating 2,050 new posts. Both the battalions will be headed by senior commandant rank officers. These units will play an important role in meeting the growing demands on the CISF, especially in areas such as internal security and management of high-security prisons. The move, along with the recently sanctioned women battalion, is expected to strengthen national security as well as create over 2,000 new jobs.
This expansion will boost the total number of CISF personnel to almost 200,000. The Reserve Battalion consists of specially trained and equipped personnel, who are experienced in handling the security of high security prisons and other undertakings. The additional battalions will significantly improve the quick response capabilities of the CISF during emergencies. The availability of transport fleets and dedicated reserve units equipped with sufficient weapons means faster deployment and more effective management of critical situations, which will lead to further public safety. CISF Inspector General Ajay Dahiya said, the new strength will reduce stress on the existing personnel and translate into better leave and weekly relief opportunities for the personnel.
The CISF is one of the Central Armed Police Forces of India, established under the CISF Act, 1968. Initially created to provide integrated security to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the CISF has since evolved into a multifaceted security agency responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure across the country. The force guards major industrial installations, government buildings, nuclear and space installations, airports, seaports and historical monuments including the Taj Mahal. Additionally, CISF provides consultancy services in security management to both public and private sector organizations.