CISF to overhaul its administrative structure, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is overhauling its administrative and operational structure.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the revised arrangements, effective from November 1.
• The reorganisation shifts from a geographical to a sector-specific supervisory model.
• The aim is to strengthen specialised security management across critical infrastructure and strategic establishments.
• New sector-specific commands have been created for power, coal, steel, petroleum & natural gas, and port facilities.

Detailed Insights:

• The overhaul seeks to improve operational oversight, foster sector-specific expertise, and ensure uniform security practices.
• It also aims to enhance coordination with various Ministries, Departments, and installation managements.
• While previously geographical, CISF had already adopted a functional approach for aviation and strategic establishments.
• New sectors include the Government Building Museums & Monuments and Mass Rapid Transit System (GBMM & MRTS) Sector for the National Capital Region.
• The Western and Southern Sectors have been transformed into the West Coast Port Sector and East Coast Port Sector respectively.
• This reorganisation is crucial as CISF's mandate expands, including its designation as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
• CISF has also been tasked with security at high-security correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and as the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): A central armed police force in India providing security to industrial undertakings, government infrastructure, and other establishments.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the maintenance of internal security and domestic policy.
• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: An international maritime security framework developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Recognised Security Organisation (RSO): An organization with appropriate expertise in security matters, recognized by a contracting government to carry out security assessments and verifications.