The State Government on Monday raised an Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF), first of its kind in the State, to provide an integrated safety and security cover to the industrial establishments.
The first batch of the recruits of the force, who underwent a 10-month training, were greeted by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a passing-out parade of the recruits. For the first time, women cops have been included in the armed police in the State.
A total of 1,289 constables, including 203 women, underwent basic police training and specialised training on industrial security with the help of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). On April 30 last year, the Government had recruited the constables.
Purnima Mohapatra bagged medal for being the overall topper of the batch.
“The OISF personnel will be mobilised in different industrial establishments,” said the CM. Odisha has achieved attractive investment destinations in the country and the OISF would contribute immensely to the economic growth of the State, added Patnaik.
The OISF will function under the administrative control of the Special Armed Police (SAP) of the State.
Initially, the OISF personnel would guard Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), Hirakud Dam, Odisha Sand Complex (a unit of Indian Rare Earths limited), IIT-Bhubaneswar, NTPC-Sundargarh, RBI and some private industrial establishments, sources said.