Reorganisation of the Central Industrial Security Force
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Key takeaways
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a landmark reorganisation of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) effective from 1st November 2026.
- The overhaul replaces eight geographical sectors with specialized functional commands, establishing dedicated sectors for Coal, Steel, Petroleum, Power, and Ports.
- Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code of the IMO, CISF is designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities.
- First established in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968, the force's mandate has expanded to secure private entities, J&K correctional facilities, and aerial security for critical infrastructure.
Why in News
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially approved a major restructuring of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This overhaul changes both the administrative and operational setup of the force.
- The newly approved organizational framework will come into effect on 1st November 2026.
Key Changes in Organizational Setup
- The restructure replaces eight old geographical sectors with specialized functional commands. However, the force will keep three existing specialized sectors to match specific security threats better.
- The government established dedicated commands to boost technical expertise: Coal Sector in Ranchi, Steel Sector in Bhilai, Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector in Guwahati, and Power Sectors in New Delhi and Kolkata.
- The old National Capital Region command is now restructured into the GBMM & MRTS Sector (Government Building, Museums & Monuments, and Mass Rapid Transit System). This step will standardize security across urban infrastructure.
- The government converted the Western and Southern territorial sectors into the West Coast Port Sector in Mumbai and the East Coast Port Sector in Chennai to protect maritime trade.
- The CISF is now a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This IMO framework under the SOLAS Convention will improve security standards and technical coordination across major ports.
- The government decided not to change the existing specialized functional setups for Aviation, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and the Department of Space (DoS).
- The CISF received new duties to guard high-security prisons in Jammu and Kashmir. The government also named it the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure.
About Central Industrial Security Force
- The CISF is one of India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- The force was created in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968 to provide integrated security cover to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- Over time, its security duties expanded beyond traditional PSUs to meet modern internal security needs.
- Today, the force protects strategic installations like nuclear power plants, space facilities, and defense manufacturing units.
- It also secures vital public transport networks, including major airports and the Delhi Metro.
- Following an amendment to the CISF Act after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the force now provides security to private sector sites like Infosys and Reliance Jamnagar campuses.
- The force runs a unique consultancy wing that offers expert security and fire protection advice to private and government bodies.