MHA Greenlights CISF’s First All-Women Unit

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first-ever all-women battalion, announced on 12th November, 2024. This historic move aims to promote gender equality and inspire more women to contribute to the CISF’s mission of securing the nation’s strategic assets.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Approval

• MHA has approved the formation of the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first-ever all-women battalion.
• This historic decision was announced by CISF on November 12, 2024.

Objective

• The battalion aims to promote gender equality in the security sector.
• It encourages women to join the CISF’s mission to protect India’s strategic assets.

Key Features 

• Will inspire women to join the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) for safeguarding national assets.
• The battalion will undergo specialized training to perform various roles, including VIP security, airport security, and Delhi Metro duties.

Recruitment and Training

• The CISF is initiating recruitment, training, and selection for the battalion.

• The training program aims to create an elite all-women battalion capable of handling diverse security challenges.

Role of CISF

• CISF is a part of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and primarily provides security to government institutions and vital installations.
• Over time, the force has diversified to handle VIP security, airport security, and other specialized duties.

Importance

• The formation of the all-women battalion is a significant step towards empowering women and ensuring diverse representation in critical security roles.
• It will also strengthen the CISF’s capacity to safeguard strategic national assets.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Overview

• Establishment: CISF was set up on March 10, 1969, under an Act of the Parliament of India with an initial strength of 2,800 personnel.

Status 

• It became an armed force of the Republic of India on June 15, 1983, following a separate Act of Parliament.

Current Strength

• CISF has grown to over 1,88,000 personnel and is one of the largest CAPFs in India.

Jurisdiction

• The force operates directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and has its headquarters in New Delhi.

Coverage

• CISF provides security to 359 establishments across India, including critical infrastructure and government buildings.

Organization Structure

Leadership

• The CISF is headed by a Director-General (an IPS officer).
• The Director-General is assisted by an Additional Director-General.

Sectors

The force is divided into seven sectors,

• Airport Sector
• North Sector
• North-East Sector
• East Sector
• West Sector
• South Sector
• Training Sector

Specialized Wing

• CISF has a Fire Service Wing, a unique unit for fire protection services.

Functions of CISF

• Critical Infrastructure Security
• Airport Security
• Government Buildings & Monuments
• VIP Security
• Fire Protection Services
• Private Sector Security
• Public Interface