Whenever discussion explodes on India-Pakistan relations, common people start judging the power of the two neighbours with military power, and many a time the conversation concludes on the nuclear weapons both countries are equipped with. Not only this, whenever we compare the powerful nations, the nuclear establishments play a critical role. While talking about nuclear establishments did you ever think about the people who guard our weapons 24X7 without even a single break?
So, I am throwing a question again- Who guards our nuclear weapons and power plants? Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Police department, CRPF, or RAF? The answer is not among these. Very soon you will land on the answer as well, but before we move forward, let’s talk about how tough the job is. One mistake can lead our country to the toss. That’s the reason the security of the establishments like Nuclear Power Plants, Nuclear Weapons, Space Crafts/rockets, etc. is always been crucial.
This crucial duty is being performed by our Central Industrial Security Force. Let’s congratulate the force on their 54th Raising Day on March 10th.
The duty of CISF is not just limited to guarding our airports and monuments. The area of serving is too large that we the common man can’t even imagine.
How tough is the duty of CISF?
As I told you that the CISF is not just to protect our airports or monuments, the large organization is responsible for guarding nuclear power plants, mines, important ports, oil fields and refineries, space installations, hydroelectric/thermal power plants owned and controlled by Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and many more establishments. Please note currency note presses that print Indian currency is also protected by CISF.
Now whether it is an airport or currency note press or any power plant. All these require a concrete plan of protection from external threats. The physical security of establishments like warhead storage or nuclear plants requires detailed planning and error-free execution. The security of nuclear weapons requires a systematic evaluation of external threats. This is not just a game of muscle power but brain power too. Without a concrete plan, such tight security is not possible at all. That’s the reason life at CISF is as crucial as in Indian Army or Air Force. The duty of CISF is as tough as the duty being performed by the soldiers at the border.
The CISF is a highly trained and professional force that employs advanced security systems and technology to ensure the safety and security of the people and assets under its protection. The force also has specialized units for counter-terrorism, disaster management, and VIP security, among others. The CISF also provides security to private sector organizations that are designated as having strategic importance for the country’s economy and infrastructure.
Let’s not forget DSC
While we talk about the tough life of CISF jawans, let’s not forget to talk about Defence Security Corps (DSC). It is a security force wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It was formed in 1947, soon after India gained independence, with the aim of providing security to defence establishments and installations across the country. The DSC is composed primarily of retired Army personnel, who are employed on a voluntary basis and trained in security and intelligence-gathering techniques.
The DSC is responsible for providing security cover to various defence establishments such as military stations, ordnance factories, and research and development organizations. The corps is also involved in providing security during ceremonial functions and other events of national importance. The DSC is organized into five regional commands, each of which is responsible for the security of a particular geographical area. The corps is headed by a Director-General, who is a serving officer of the Indian Army.
The DSC is known for its professionalism and dedication to duty. It has been involved in several operations to counter-terrorism and insurgency and has played a vital role in maintaining the security of defence establishments across the country. And to protect nuclear establishments and the institutions like DRDO, DSC works closely with CISF to execute error-free security plans.
Data Corner about CISF
- As per the data presented on 3 Dec 2019 in Lok Sabha, CISF is providing security at 346 units across India.
- As per the data released in April 2022, CISF is providing security cover at 65 airports with a sanctioned strength of 30,996.
- The representation of women in CISF is 7.05% as of 31.01.2023.
- The payment for services rendered by CISF at Airports is made through National Aviation Security Fee Trust (NASFT). The revenue collected under ASF Collection in 2020-21 was Rs. 1002.56 crore out of which Rs. 429.53 crore was disbursed to CISF.
- Most CISF personnel guard Delhi Airport. Sanctioned Strength of CISF to guard Delhi Airport is 5056. The government spends Rs. 420,94,54,186 (approx 420 crore) for IGI Airport, Delhi.
- On 15 March 1969, the strength of CISF was 2,800 and the current active strength of CISF is 148,371 personnel.
