Why is it in the News?

The Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the Parliament complex, according to a government order.

News Summary:

• Following the security breach on December 13, the Union Home Ministry has given the green light for CISF deployment in the Parliament complex.
• Collaborating with Parliament Security Services, CISF will oversee access control for both the new and old Parliament buildings.

What are the Current Security Arrangements in Parliament?

• The Delhi Police currently handles access control, including frisking and baggage scanning.
  • In response to the recent incident, eight Delhi Police security personnel responsible for these duties were suspended.
• In the event of armed intervention, the Parliament Duty Group (PDG), an armed unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is deployed.
• The overall responsibility for security lies with the Parliament Security Service under the Lok Sabha Speaker.

About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):

• Established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968, CISF is a key Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
• Initially formed in 1969 with three battalions, it has evolved into a versatile organization boasting a current strength of 1,63,590 personnel.
• Operating under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, CISF's headquarters is situated in New Delhi.

Key Operations:

• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding 353 establishments nationwide, including Atomic Power Plants, Space Installations, Defence Production Units, Mines, Oil Fields, and Refineries.
• Fire Protection: Maintaining a dedicated Fire Wing catering to 104 establishments for fire safety services.
• VIP Security: Mandated to provide security to VIP protectees categorized as Z+, Z, Y, and X across the country.
• Airport Security: Entrusted with the specialized task of airport security since 2000, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 to Kandahar.
• Private Sector Security: Authorized by an amendment to the CISF Act, the force offers security services, on a payment basis, to vital private and joint venture industrial entities contributing to the nation's security and economy.
  • Examples include Infosys campuses, Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, and the Reliance refinery.
• Overseas Deployment: Contributing contingents to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
• CISF stands out as the only Central Armed Police Force with a daily public interface, playing a crucial role in securing airports, the Delhi Metro, and iconic monuments.