CISF enforce stronger shield for Parliament security

As part of its capability enhancement, the elite Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has introduced a revised posting policy specific to Parliament security duties. Under the new framework, the tenure of personnel has been extended from the existing three years to four years, with a possible extension of one additional year based on suitability. To ensure operational continuity while ensuring optimum rotation for steady infusion of new blood, a fixed proportion of the sanctioned strength will be changed every year.

According to a CISF official, the extended tenure will further strengthen familiarity of personnel with Members of Parliament and movement patterns within PHC, which is critical for ensuring accurate identification, secure access protocols, layered threat detection and response.

Chief PRO, CISF, Ajay Dahiya, DIG, said following the comprehensive security review undertaken after the December 2023 incident, the CISF has significantly strengthened its role in securing the Parliament House Complex (PHC).

In a phased takeover completed on 20 May 2024, CISF assumed charge of all core security layers at Parliament—including Access Control, Perimeter and Internal Security, Counter-Terror and Counter-Sabotage response, Bomb Threat management and Fire & Disaster preparedness. “A contingent of over 3,300 personnel, including 200+ Fire and Disaster Management specialists, was deployed to introduce airport-style security protocols such as advanced frisking, X-ray baggage checks and multi-level access verification,” Dahiya said.

The Force has been consistently enhancing its capabilities to counter emerging threats, with specialised training modules focused on Drone threats, cybersecurity, CBRN response, as well as battle-inoculation courses conducted with the National Security Guard (NSG) and elite units of the Indian Army.

According to a CISF Press release, as part of Tighter Eligibility Norms and Multi-Stage Screening, the updated guidelines lay down clear eligibility norms for Gazetted Officers (GOs) and Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs).

To ensure that only the most suitable personnel are deployed for this sensitive assignment, CISF has instituted a mandatory multi-stage screening process, including Psychological Assessment, Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPET), PHC-specific Induction Training and Comprehensive Security Clearance.