In New Delhi, plans are underway to reinforce security around the Parliament House complex by adding 250 more personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
This infusion of fresh manpower is seen as a crucial element in the CISF’s security strategy aimed specifically at fortifying defenses around the Parliament.
Under the updated security arrangement, a combined force of over 250 CISF personnel will be deployed to safeguard the Parliament premises. Among them, approximately 230 will be stationed within the security division, while the remaining members will be assigned to the fire department responsible for protecting the Parliament.
Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Nina Singh, Director General of the CISF, has given the green light for the integration of these additional personnel into the existing security apparatus stationed at the Parliament.
The augmented presence of CISF personnel tasked with enhancing Parliament’s security includes a complement of 12 inspectors, 45 sub-inspectors, 30 assistant sub-inspectors, 35 head constables, and 85 constables.
It is anticipated that these over 250 CISF personnel will be fully integrated into the Parliament’s security infrastructure by the end of the week, following a tailored three-day training program designed to meet specific operational needs.
CISF first assumed responsibility for Parliament security in January of this year, deploying 140 personnel to oversee security at designated entry points. Since then, these CISF personnel have been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting security checks on visitors and screening their belongings at designated entry points.
The newly implemented security measures were evident during the Budget Session of Parliament that commenced on January 31.
With its expanded deployment at Parliament, the CISF has emerged as a new player in the security landscape, leveraging its expertise in access control, security screening, and surveillance gained from its operations at airports, Delhi Metro, and other high-traffic locations.
This development follows a security breach in Parliament last December, where two individuals breached security protocols, entering the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitor’s gallery and releasing yellow smoke from concealed canisters. Following this incident, eight security personnel were suspended.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs granted in-principle approval for a joint survey by the CISF to assess security needs and recommend comprehensive security arrangements for Parliament premises.
Currently, the CISF oversees security at 358 establishments nationwide and is also involved in VIP security, offering security consultation services to various entities. The agencies responsible for Parliament security include the Parliament Security Service, CISF, Delhi Police, CRPF, and the Parliament Duty Group, with personnel from these agencies deployed to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Given its expertise in access control and security screening, the CISF is considered well-equipped to handle these responsibilities. The force, established in 1969 with just three battalions, has evolved into a multi-skilled organization with over 177,000 personnel.
In addition to security cover for critical infrastructure, the CISF operates a Fire Wing servicing 114 establishments. Currently, it provides security at 68 airports and safeguards important government buildings, heritage sites, and the Delhi Metro.
Since the Mumbai terror attack in 2008, the CISF’s mandate has expanded to include security for private corporate entities, with the force also offering security consultation services to the private sector.
The CISF prides itself on maintaining high standards of professionalism among its personnel and adopts state-of-the-art technology to enhance security measures.
