CISF Strength Increased to 2.2 Lakh; 14,000 Annual Recruitments Planned for Next Five Years
ABHIJIT KALITA
GUWAHATI,Aug 16: In a significant step towards strengthening industrial security and providing a secure foundation for India’s economic growth, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved an increase in the sanctioned strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from the current 1,62,000 to 2,20,000 personnel.
As India’s economy scales new heights, this expansion will enhance CISF deployment across vital sectors, including the rapidly growing aviation and port sectors, thermal power plants, nuclear facilities, hydroelectric projects, and prisons in Jammu & Kashmir. With a decline in Left Wing Extremism in states like Chhattisgarh, new industrial hubs are expected to emerge, making the CISF’s robust presence essential for comprehensive and effective security.
As stated in the CISF Press Release issued by Ajay Dahiya, Deputy Inspector General – Intelligence, this augmentation will also generate fresh employment opportunities. In 2024, 13,230 new personnel were recruited, and recruitment for 24,098 positions in 2025 is underway. It is estimated that around 14,000 new recruits will join CISF annually over the next five years, injecting youthful energy into the force and enhancing its readiness for challenging situations. Increased participation of women is also anticipated, supported by CISF policies that promote representation at all levels.
The expanded strength will pave the way for the formation of a new battalion, which will play a vital role in internal security and emergency deployments.
Last year, CISF added seven new units under its security wing — including Parliament House Complex, Ayodhya Airport, NTPC’s coal mining project in Hazaribagh, ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune, thermal power plants in Buxar and Etah, and the Beas-Sutlej Link Project in Mandi. Additionally, two new fire units were introduced at the Parliament House and Etah project sites.
This expansion underscores CISF’s growing role in safeguarding key national assets amid India’s rapid economic and infrastructure development, reflecting the government’s commitment to equipping the force to meet evolving security challenges and ensuring it remains a strong and vigilant guardian of the nation’s progress.
