The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the establishment of India's first all-women battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This decision aims to give women more opportunities in the field of security and defence.

CISF plans for recruitment and training

CISF Deputy Inspector General Deepak Verma said that preparations are already starting for the recruitment, training, and selection of locations for the battalion's headquarters. "The training will be specially designed to create an elite battalion capable of handling multiple roles, including VIP security, airport security, and Delhi Metro Rail duties," Verma stated. The idea behind this battalion is to ensure that women can actively contribute to security operations and national defence.

Encouraging more women to join CISF

The establishment of an all-women battalion in CISF is expected to encourage more young women from across the country to join the force and serve the nation. This decision follows the guidance of the Union Home Minister, who shared the plan during the 53rd CISF Day function. Right now, women make up more than 7% of the CISF force, and this new battalion will increase the number of women in the force.

CISF’s role in national security

CISF is responsible for protecting 68 airports, the Delhi Metro, and famous places like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The force also helps protect important buildings in the nuclear and aerospace industries, as well as private companies like Infosys offices and the Reliance refinery in Gujarat. With this step, CISF will become like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which made its first all-women battalion in 1986. The CRPF now has six all-women battalions.