The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is probably the last paramilitary to have finally shed a colonial uniform accessory—the Sam Browne belt—a leather belt with a supporting strap that passes over the right shoulder, worn during ceremonial or martial events.

The belt, called the cross belt in police lexicon, was named after British Army officer Sam Browne, who served in India in the 19th century. It was introduced for police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) officers under the Indian Police Service (Uniform) Rules, 1954.

While the Armed Forces and a number of paramilitary forces (CAPFs) have shed its use gradually, the 1.47-lakh strong CISF is the last to jettison the colonial practice.

"The issue regarding use of Sam Browne belt by the officers has been examined in detail... It has been observed that Armed Forces and other CAPFs have already dispensed with wearing the cross belt. In view of the above, it has been decided to do away with the wearing of Sam Browne belt by the Central Industrial Security Force officers with immediate effect, except by the personnel who have to carry swords on ceremonial occasions," according to a communication of the paramilitary circulated to all its field formations.

The all-leather belt is used by the officers to hold the sword during ceremonial events like the Raising Day parade of the force or a unit and passing out parades.

As the name suggests, the belt is brown in colour and is hung from a small metal clip on the waist belt called 'frog' in order to latch it and make it diagonally go over the stomach and back of the official wearing it.

The move comes as the belt has lost its operational utility with change in work environment, weapons and uniform styles of forces over a period of time. It was also uncomfortable as it restricts the movement of the wearer.