In a bid to strengthen the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the formation of two new battalions.
The expansion aims to boost the CISF’s capacity to meet increasing security demands and bolster internal security across critical infrastructure and key installations.
Each of the newly sanctioned battalions will comprise 1,025 personnel, increasing the total number of CISF battalions from 13 to 15, thereby creating over 2,000 new jobs. The new battalions will be led by senior commandant-level officers, underscoring their critical role in addressing the growing security needs of the country.
The expansion comes at a time when the CISF is being called upon to manage more complex security tasks, particularly in overseeing high-security jails and responding swiftly to emergencies. The addition of these battalions is expected to strengthen the CISF’s rapid-response capabilities, ensuring faster deployment and improved management of critical situations.
“These new battalions will alleviate pressure on our current personnel and allow for better relief opportunities, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the force,” said CISF Inspector General Ajay Dahiya.
The expansion also includes the recently approved Mahila Battalion, which aims to further enhance national security while offering more employment opportunities. With this expansion, the CISF’s total strength will rise to nearly two lakh personnel, enhancing the force’s ability to protect vital national infrastructure, including industrial sites, government buildings, nuclear and space establishments, airports, and historical monuments like the Taj Mahal.
Established in 1969 under the CISF Act, the CISF has evolved from providing security to public sector undertakings (PSUs) into a vital agency safeguarding critical infrastructure and offering security consultancy services across both public and private sectors. The new battalions will significantly bolster the force’s ability to carry out its multifaceted security mandate.
(Inputs from ANI)