Trailblazing All-Women CISF Battalion Sanctioned

The Indian government has greenlit an all-women CISF reserve battalion, consisting of over 1,000 personnel. This strategic move aims to bolster security at airports and crucial installations. This battalion will be led by a senior commandant and derived from the force's existing manpower of approximately 200,000 personnel.

The Union government has approved the formation of an all-women Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reserve battalion. Encompassing more than 1,000 personnel, the newly sanctioned unit speaks to the increasing security responsibilities at airports and other vital installations.

Officials confirmed that this battalion would be formed from the existing authorized manpower of the CISF, which currently stands at around 200,000. Headed by a senior commandant-rank officer, the exclusive women-only unit was sanctioned following a directive from the Union home ministry this week.

At present, the CISF has 12 reserve battalions, which are typically deployed as reinforcement for assignments like election duties or permanent security tasks such as protecting vital infrastructure including the Parliament House complex. The initiative to establish an all-women battalion comes in response to the significant female presence required at locations such as airports, Delhi Metro, and landmarks like the Taj Mahal.

(With inputs from agencies.)