CISF to Boost Security Forces Amidst India's Economic Surge

The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned a significant increase in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) strength, raising it from 162,000 to 220,000 personnel. This initiative aims to fortify the force to better support India's burgeoning economic landscape.

Under this new directive, 14,000 personnel will be recruited annually over the next five years. This move not only aims to rejuvenate the force with younger personnel but also to create new employment opportunities, according to documents accessed by ANI. This is expected to enhance the CISF's operational readiness.

As India's economy expands, this manpower increase will enable the CISF to cover key areas like aviation, ports, and power installations more effectively. Notably, with declining extremism in states such as Chhattisgarh, new industrial hubs are expected to surface, necessitating a bolstered CISF presence. In 2024, 13,230 personnel were recruited, with a further 24,098 planned for 2025. Efforts are also underway to attract more female candidates, leveraging the force's forward-thinking policies to increase women's representation. An additional battalion is also planned, facilitating internal security and contingency operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)