The Central Industrial Security Force
Introduction
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a specialized paramilitary force in India. Established in 1969, the CISF was initially created to ensure the security of the nation’s major public sector undertakings (PSUs). However, with time, its mandate has expanded significantly, reflecting the evolving security challenges in the country.
Role and Responsibilities
The CISF’s main purpose is to provide protection to the country’s strategic establishments. This encompasses vast industrial sectors such as atomic power plants, space installations, mints, oil fields and refineries, major ports, heavy engineering, steel plants, barrages, Fertilizer units, airports and
hydro/thermal power plants.
Additionally, they also secure the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the
VIPs in certain metro cities.
Training and Skills
CISF personnel undergo rigorous training that enables them to handle a wide array of security challenges. This includes intensive instruction in industrial security, disaster management, firefighting, and VIP security, thereby equipping them to deal with threats on both macro and micro levels.
Airport Security
The CISF has also been assigned the crucial responsibility of providing airport security throughout the country. In this role, it not only ensures the safety of passengers but also helps in countering potential threats to civil aviation.
Present Position
Today, the CISF is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces in India under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. With a strength of approximately 165,000 personnel, it is a significant player in
the country’s security apparatus.
Selection process
CISF Selection and Recruitment Process
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) maintains a rigorous selection and recruitment process to ensure only the most qualified individuals are enlisted. This process encompasses various stages, each designed to assess the candidate’s physical, mental, and educational fitness.
Notification
The recruitment process begins with a notification published by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) or the CISF department. The notification includes details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, the selection process, and the application procedure.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards. The general age limit is between 18 to 23 years, with certain age relaxations applicable to reserved categories. The minimum educational qualification is typically a matriculation or 10+2 certificate, depending on the post.
Written Examination
Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria need to appear for a written examination. This is generally a Computer-Based Test (CBT) or an Offline Objective Multiple Choice Type paper. It usually covers areas such as General Knowledge, Numerical ability, Reasoning, and General English or Hindi.
hysical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Those who clear the written exam undergo a Physical Standard Test (PST) and a Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PST involves measurements of height, chest, and weight to ensure the candidates meet the required physical standards. The PET consists of various physical events like running, long jump, and high jump.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the physical tests are called for a medical examination. This is to ensure that the candidates are medically fit, with specific attention paid to their vision, as well as their overall health.
Final Selection
The final selection is made on the basis of the merit list, which takes into account the candidate’s performance in the written examination and the PET/PST.
Organization structure
CISF Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is hierarchical, adhering to the standards of paramilitary forces. The structure facilitates efficient command and control, as well as enables seamless coordination of its operations.
Top Level
At the apex of the CISF is the Director-General (DG), who is an Indian Police Service officer of the rank of Director-General of Police. The DG is responsible for the overall command and administration of the force
Middle Level
Reporting to the DG are Additional Director-Generals, Inspector-Generals, Deputy Inspector-Generals, and Commandants. These officers oversee various sectors, zones, and regions.
1. The Additional Director-Generals supervise various sectors such as Airport,
North/East/West/South sectors, Technical sector, and Training sector.
2. Each sector is divided into zones that are headed by Inspector-Generals.
3. Further, these zones are divided into sectors headed by Deputy Inspector-Generals.
4. Each sector comprises multiple units, and each unit is overseen by a Commandant.
Lower Level
Beneath the Commandants are Deputy Commandants, Assistant Commandants, Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, and Constables. These personnel form the operational backbone of the CISF,performing various security and administrative duties at ground level.
The CISF also has an established training infrastructure headed by an Inspector-General, which includes the National Industrial Security Academy in Hyderabad, Fire Service Training Institute in Deoli, Rajasthan, and other training institutes across the country.
In summary, the hierarchical structure of the CISF ensures efficient functioning, distribution of duties, and smooth communication across different levels of the organization, thus enabling it to fulfill its mandate effectively.
CISF’s Notable Achievements
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has a history of remarkable achievements that testify to its proficiency and commitment. These accomplishments not only strengthen national security but also boost India’s global standing.
Exemplary Security Records
The CISF has maintained a stellar security record across the establishments it guards. Despite the diverse range of sectors and the inherent challenges they pose, the CISF has effectively prevented sabotage activities and thefts, ensuring uninterrupted operation of these crucial industries.
Handling of Civil Aviation Security
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Since the CISF took over airport security in the aftermath of the Kandahar hijacking incident in 1999, there have been no major security incidents at the airports under its watch. The CISF's Airport Security Group has been instrumental in maintaining the safety and security of civil aviation in India.
Disaster Management
The CISF’s exemplary work in disaster management has been widely recognized. In 2019, for example, the CISF team stationed at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) efficiently handled a major fire incident, preventing potential damages and loss of life.
Awards and Honors
CISF personnel have received numerous awards for gallantry, distinguished and meritorious services. This includes the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Police Medal for Gallantry. In 2020 alone, CISF personnel were awarded 41 police medals on the occasion of Republic Day, highlighting their extraordinary acts of courage and service.
International Training Programs
The CISF has also been involved in providing training to personnel from other countries. For instance, they have imparted training to airport security personnel from Iraq and Mauritius, enhancing India’s diplomatic ties and its reputation as a global leader in security training.