CISF to Expand Force to 2.2 Lakh Personnel by 2029: MHA Approval
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a substantial increase in the strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), expanding its authorized personnel from 1.62 lakh to 2.2 lakh. This development includes the recruitment of 14,000 individuals each year until 2029, ultimately adding 70,000 new officers to address growing security demands.
The bolstered force will be tasked with safeguarding key sectors such as airports, ports, nuclear facilities, power plants, and the prison system in Jammu & Kashmir. As left-wing extremism decreases in regions like Chhattisgarh, the CISF will also extend its operations to new industrial areas.
In the year 2024, the CISF welcomed 13,230 new members, and plans are in place to recruit an additional 24,098 personnel by 2025. This growth is anticipated to boost the number of women officers, with recruitment efforts designed to be gender-inclusive. The increased personnel will also facilitate the establishment of a new battalion focused on internal security and contingency operations.
In the past year, seven units have been integrated into the Security Wing to protect sites such as the Parliament House Complex, Ayodhya Airport, NTPC’s Hazaribagh coal project, ICMR-NIV laboratory in Pune, Buxar and Etah thermal power projects, and the Beas–Satluj Link Project in Mandi. Additionally, the Fire Wing has expanded by adding two units at Parliament House and Etah.
According to officials, this expansion aligns with the government’s strategy to fortify the protection of national assets as India's infrastructure network grows and security challenges evolve.
