CISF Unveils Major Welfare Reforms for Personnel and Families

ABHIJIT KALITA

GUWAHATI, Sept 4:
In a landmark initiative to strengthen the welfare of its personnel and their families, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has rolled out a comprehensive package of reforms covering loans, scholarships, medical support, retirement benefits, and unit-level welfare measures.

The new measures, formulated after consultations with force members during Sainik Sammelans, aim to deliver services faster, more transparently, and with minimal financial stress. Notably, these benefits will reach a larger number of personnel without additional financial burden, as funds have been realigned internally.

Cheaper Loans, Higher Ceilings
Interest rates on personal loans have been reduced from 6% to 3% across categories, while medical treatment loans will now carry just 2% interest. Loan ceilings for housing, marriage, and other purposes have been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, with the repayment period extended from three years to five years.

Enhanced Medical Support
Out-of-pocket medical expenses under schemes like Ayushman CAPF and CGHS will now be fully reimbursed through the Central Welfare Fund, compared to the earlier 10% cap of up to ₹50,000. Financial aid will also be provided during Extraordinary Leave on medical grounds.

Expanded Scholarship Coverage
The DG Scholarship Scheme has been widened significantly. All wards of CISF personnel scoring above 80% in Class 12 will receive ₹20,000, while those scoring above 90% will get ₹25,000. Earlier, only 150 students with 90% and above were covered. Scholarships for wards of martyrs from Class 1 to postgraduate level have also been enhanced to ₹10,000–₹20,000, without any cap on beneficiaries.

Improved Retirement & Welfare Benefits
Retiring personnel will now receive ₹1.25 lakh as risk savings benefits, up from ₹75,000–₹80,000 earlier. Ex-gratia funeral expenses have been raised from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000. Refreshment allowances for events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, CISF Raising Day, and retiree farewells have been enhanced to ₹50 per head, while special diet allowances for parade participants have risen from ₹60 to ₹100 per day.

Digital Push with Online Welfare Portal
Starting September 1, 2025, a dedicated Online Welfare Portal will replace the existing manual system, enabling personnel to apply directly for loans, scholarships, and reimbursements. Applications will be processed electronically, with payments credited within 15 days. Medical loans will be given top priority, followed by marriage, education, and housing. About 80% of the ₹100-crore Welfare Fund will be earmarked for personnel needs.

This follows earlier digital reforms such as online pension processing, which ensures Pension Payment Orders are issued on the date of retirement, and the E-Service Book, which allows personnel to update their service records online.

Senior CISF officers have described the initiatives as “a decisive step to safeguard the welfare of personnel and their families.” By lowering financial stress, expanding educational aid, strengthening medical cover, and digitizing welfare processes, CISF has set a new standard of welfare governance among paramilitary forces.