MHA nod to form 1st all-woman CISF reserve battalion

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved establishment of a first-ever all-woman CISF battalion comprising more than 1,000 personnel.

Highlights:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the establishment of the first-ever all-women battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), comprising over 1,000 personnel. This decision reflects the growing role of women in India’s security forces and their increasing importance in specialized security tasks.

Key Details of the Women Battalion

Structure and Leadership:

• The new unit, named a reserve battalion, will consist of 1,025 personnel.
• It will be led by a senior officer of Commandant rank.
• The battalion is part of the CISF’s existing sanctioned manpower of approximately 2 lakh personnel.

Role and Training:

• The battalion will have specialized training to prepare for roles in:
  • VIP security
  • Airport security
  • Protection of critical installations such as the Delhi Metro.
• Training programs will emphasize elite commando skills to ensure versatility in security roles.

Significance of the All-Women Battalion

Encouraging Female Participation

• The CISF has over 7% women personnel in its current workforce.
• The introduction of an all-women battalion is expected to inspire more young women to join the force.
• It marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Enhanced Interface with Civilians

• Women CISF personnel are crucial in facilities with high interaction with female commuters, such as:
  • 68 civil airports under CISF protection.
  • Delhi Metro stations.
  • Historical monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.

CISF’s Expanding Role

• The CISF, established in 1969, provides specialized security to:
  • Nuclear and aerospace facilities.
  • Major private sector establishments, including Infosys offices and the Reliance refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • Counter-terrorism security for critical infrastructure.

Union Home Minister’s Directive

• The decision to create an all-women battalion aligns with directions given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 53rd Raising Day of CISF in March 2023.

Prelims Takeaways

• Central Industrial Security Force