The Hindu Business Line : CISF to recruit 40,000; raises security bar

Though the proposal had received Cabinet approval a month ago, it is now being accelerated in the wake of the terrorist attack in Mumbai last Wednesday.

The CISF currently has a 1.05 lakh-strong force. It protects 272 Central Government undertakings, including heritage monuments such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort and sensitive public utilities including the Delhi Metro and 54 airports.

It also provides fire cover to 77 installations across the country.

Currently, CISF protection is restricted only to Government institutions. Sources said that this could soon change as the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering initiating steps that would allow the CISF force to cover private sector installations also; this would need an amendment to the Act.

“The proposal to amend the CISF Act to this effect is already with the Ministry and only a Cabinet approval is needed,” sources pointed out.

Consultancy services

However, despite the restrictions, CISF has already been associating itself with the private sector.

For the past year or so, it has been providing consultancy services to private sector companies following a large number of requests from them.

According to sources, over 50 large industrial groups have taken the agency’s help in planning and beefing up the security arrangements.

The companies include Infosys and Reliance Energy, sources said.

Security enhancement

CISF has also stepped up its security at all the establishments that it guards.

Though CISF spokesperson, Mr Rohit Katiyar, was unwilling to divulge the details of the security enhancement, he told Business Line, “All our units have contingency plans and the five Inspectors General in charge of the North East, East, South, West and North regions are in constant touch with the Director General who is currently stationed in Mumbai.”

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