March 10th annually unfolds in India, ushering in a swell of national pride as the country commemorates the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day. Formed on June 15, 1983, in its current incarnation, the CISF stands as a Central Armed Police Force, wielding significance in fortifying the nation’s assets and infrastructure. Originating on March 10, 1969, under an Indian Parliamentary act, the force’s genesis comprised a modest 2,800 members. A subsequent Parliamentary act on June 15, 1983, bestowed upon the CISF the stature of an armed force within the Republic of India. Presently, it commands an authorized strength of 142,526 personnel, falling directly under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, with its headquarters domiciled in New Delhi.
This year marks the 55th jubilation of CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) Raising Day in 2024. A robust testament to the profound contributions of these gallant individuals to national security, the CISF Raising Day spotlights their indispensable role. From the guardianship of airports and seaports to the vigilant protection of critical installations such as power plants and space research facilities, the CISF stands as a linchpin ensuring the seamless operation of India’s economic and strategic assets.
The CISF extends its protective umbrella over 300 industrial units and diverse establishments scattered across the expanse of India. Safeguarding sectors ranging from airports to hydroelectric and thermal power plants under the ownership of Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), mints, oil fields, refineries, major ports, heavy engineering, steel plants, barrages, fertilizer units, atomic power plants, and currency note presses crafting the Indian currency.
Encompassing installations in myriad terrains and climatic conditions nationwide, the CISF assumes a pivotal role. Beyond its security mandate, the force provides consultancy services to diverse Indian governmental organizations and private industries. TISCO, Jamshedpur; SEBI Headquarters, Mumbai; Vidhana Sabha, Bangalore; Orissa Mining Co., Bhubaneswar; Telangana Assembly, Hyderabad; Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corp.; HIL Kerala; IB Thermal plant, Odisha; IARI, Delhi; NBRI, Lucknow, and Electronics City, Bangalore, stand among the esteemed clientele of its consulting wing. The spectrum of CISF’s consultancy practice spans security and fire protection consulting.
As the singular entity known as the CISF operates across India’s air, sea, and significant locales, reserve battalions collaborate with state police to maintain law and order. The CISF plays a substantial role in disaster management, with troops in this field undergoing training from NISA, Hyderabad. The force houses a Fire Wing, a crucial asset in responding to industrial fire accidents.
Commanded by an Indian Police Service officer bearing the title of Director-General, assisted by an IPS officer holding the rank of Addl. Director-General, the CISF is compartmentalized into seven Sectors (Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training), incorporating a Fire Service Wing.
The Airport Sector, helmed by an IPS officer in the position of Additional Director-General, supported by an Inspector-General, features a Field Formation Unit for each airport. Deputy Inspector-Generals or Commandants oversee units at large international airports, with Deputy or Assistant Commandants managing those at smaller airports. An Inspector-General presides over the remaining six Sectors, aided by a Deputy Inspector-General.
Each Zone, constituting the five geographic Sectors, is under the jurisdiction of a Deputy Inspector-General. Numerous Units within each Zone, commanded by a Commandant or, in some cases, a DIG. A deputy commandant often functions as the second-in-command or leads a subunit in most units. The Fire Service Training Institute (FSTI) and six other recruit training centers, led by deputy inspector generals, coexist with the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA), overseen by an inspector general.
The Financial Adviser of the CISF, a luminary figure, is an Indian Revenue Service officer holding the esteemed rank of Director. Accompanying this key figure are Dy Advisers from the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and the Indian Civil Account Service.