Govt sanctions 2 new battalions for CISF
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the creation of two new battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), adding over 2,000 personnel to strengthen security at vital installations, including airports and nuclear power plants across India.
The expansion, announced by a CISF spokesperson on Tuesday, comes on the heels of a recently approved all-women battalion, marking a significant growth phase for the force. With these additions, the CISF’s total strength is set to reach approximately 2 lakh personnel.
“This decision, coupled with the recently-approved mahila battalion, will augment the force’s capacity, strengthen national security, and create new employment opportunities for over 2,000 persons,” the CISF spokesperson said, confirming that the sanction was received on Monday. The force currently maintains 12 reserve battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel. These specialised units consist of trained and experienced personnel equipped to handle security at high-security establishments. The new battalions are expected to enhance the CISF’s rapid response capabilities during emergencies and help meet growing security demands across the country.
According to a senior officer, the implementation of these new units, including the all-women battalion, will take approximately a year. The process of recruiting and training the new personnel, both men and women, will begin shortly. The expansion is also expected to improve working conditions for existing personnel by providing better leave and weekly relief opportunities.
Established in 1969, the CISF has evolved into a crucial security force responsible for protecting some of India’s most critical infrastructure. The force currently guards 68 civil airports and provides counter-terrorist security coverage to various facilities in the nuclear and aerospace sectors. It also protects historical monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, along with significant private sector installations, including Infosys offices in Bengaluru and Pune and the Reliance refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
