CISF Introduces Historic All-Women Commando Unit for Front-Line Security Operations
In a significant advancement towards achieving gender equality within India's security agencies, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has established its inaugural all-women commando unit dedicated to frontline operational tasks.
The newly trained women commandos will integrate into Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and the Special Task Force (STF), undertaking high-security operations at airports, industrial sites, and other vital locations.
On August 11, the initial group of 30 women, primarily stationed at airports, commenced their eight-week advanced commando training at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. The course covers areas such as:
| Weapons handling and live-fire exercises under pressure |
| Endurance activities including obstacle courses, rappelling, and survival techniques in forests |
| A 48-hour confidence mission designed to evaluate decision-making and teamwork in challenging scenarios |
This training session will wrap up on October 4, 2025, with the next group scheduled to begin from October 6 to November 29, 2025.
According to Saroj Bhupendra, PRO of CISF, "At least 100 women from various Aviation Security Groups and sensitive CISF units will participate in this training initially. Following their training, they will primarily be assigned to airports, with subsequent placements at other sensitive sites."
Presently, women constitute 8% of the CISF workforce, amounting to 12,491 personnel. In anticipation of a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure 10% female representation within the Central Armed Police Forces, the CISF aims to recruit an additional 2,400 women by 2026.
CISF officials have highlighted the establishment of this all-female commando unit as a groundbreaking move in promoting gender balance within the force, as such roles were previously exclusive to men.
The PRO stated, "This initiative not only empowers women but also enhances the operational capabilities of the CISF by incorporating diversity into its primary security functions."
The CISF, which operates under India's Ministry of Home Affairs, is tasked with securing airports, metro systems, government buildings, industrial facilities, and key infrastructure nationwide.
