Context:
The central government recently approached the Supreme Court, alleging that inadequate arrangements were made for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Dimensions of the Article:
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Overview
- Core Functions
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Overview
- Foundation and Development:
- Established by an Act of Parliament on March 10, 1969, starting with 2,800 personnel.
- Legislatively reinforced as an armed force on June 15, 1983.
- Currently, CISF boasts a strength exceeding 188,000 members.
- Administrative Placement:
- Operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Headquarters located in New Delhi.
- Operational Scope:
- Provides security to 359 establishments nationwide, spanning various critical sectors.
Organizational Structure
- Leadership:
- Led by a Director-General, supported by an Additional Director-General, both from the Indian Police Service.
- Divisional Setup:
- Organized into seven sectors: Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training.
- Incorporates a specialized Fire Service Wing.
Core Functions
- Infrastructure Security:
- Guards vital infrastructure including nuclear facilities, space establishments, airports, and power plants.
- High-Profile Assignments:
- Took over airport security responsibilities post-2000 following the IC-814 hijacking incident.
- Safeguards significant government structures, heritage sites, the Delhi Metro, and central jails in Jammu and Kashmir.
- VIP Protection:
- Houses a dedicated VIP Security division for high-profile personal protection.
- Fire Safety Services:
- Recognized as one of the largest providers of fire protection services, featuring a bespoke fire wing.
- Expansion Post-2008:
- Extended post-Mumbai 2008 attacks to include private sector security coverage.
- Consultancy Role:
- Offers security consultancy to private enterprises, highly sought after for expertise.
- Public Interface:
- Unique among CAPFs for its routine public interactions at airports, the Delhi Metro, and various iconic monuments.
-Source: Indian Express
