MHA approves first-ever all-women CISF battalion
- In Reports
- 04:40 PM, Nov 13, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the creation of the first all-women battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This decision aims to promote women’s empowerment in the defence forces and improve gender diversity within the country’s security forces.
The new battalion will consist of over 1,000 personnel and is formed to help meet the increasing responsibilities of the CISF, such as providing security for VIPs, airports, and other important locations. The unit will be formed among the approximately two lakh authorised individuals in the military, officials said. An exclusive women's unit known as the "reserve battalion" in the force, which has 1,025 members overall and is commanded by a senior commandant-rank officer, was approved by a sanction order Monday, according to the officials.
Approximately 7% of the force, which now has 1.80 lakh troops, are women. Preparations have been started for the new reserve battalion's early recruitment, training, and site selection, according to a force official. "The training is being specially designed to create an elite battalion capable of performing a multifarious role as commandos in VIP security and also security of airports, Delhi Metro, etc.," he stated. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is planning to create its first all-women reserve battalion. Currently, the CISF has 12 reserve battalions, which consist of both male and female personnel.
Reserve units are kept ready to be called upon when needed, such as for temporary duties like conducting elections or for permanent tasks, like guarding important places, including the Parliament House which the CISF started securing this year. The CISF also works closely with women commuters and visitors at locations like the 68 civil airports it protects, the Delhi Metro, and historical sites like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Female personnel are already assigned to these locations.
The CISF, established in 1969, provides security against terrorism for various important facilities, including those in the nuclear and aerospace sectors, as well as private companies like Infosys in Bengaluru and Pune, and Reliance refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Earlier this year, the CISF requested the formation of an all-women reserve battalion, following instructions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the force's 53rd Raising Day in March 2023, according to a home ministry official.
"The addition of a 'Mahila' (women) battalion would encourage more aspiring young women across the country to join CISF and serve the nation. It will give a new identity to women in CISF," the spokesperson said.
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