Noting that terrorist organisations were waiting for an opportunity to strike at India, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards strategic installations, should conduct regular security audits of all important buildings and installations, and strengthen its security mechanism by adopting new technology.
Addressing the gathering at the passing-out parade of CISF officers and sub officers at the Regional Training Centre (RTC), Arakkonam, on Monday, he said, “India is the fastest growing economy. It is now in the top 10 economies in the world. By 2030, the country will find a place in the top three economies.
The $2 trillion Indian economy is expected to become a $5 trillion economy by 2030, and the country could emerge as a world economic power.”
However, he said certain anti-India forces were unhappy with the country’s growth and were looking for opportunities to attack India in vulnerable areas, where it’s economic and strategic strength could be jeopardised, he said.
“Hence, the CISF should maintain its core competence against terrorism so that our strategic installations do not come under attack by anti-India forces,” he said.
With terrorism being a global issue, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had brought many countries on board on this issue. He noted that CISF personnel guarded monuments, strategic installations, government buildings, nuclear sites, Delhi Metro and provided VIP security, internal security and also was engaged in disaster management.
“The CISF’s role as a paramilitary force has become multi-dimensional and challenging. With globalisation and liberalisation, the CISF’s job has diversified and expanded. There were times when the CISF provided security cover only to government buildings and installations. Now, it provides security consultancy and services to the private sector as well,” he added.
He reiterated the need for the CISF to become a modern security force. He said its strength has gone up from one lakh to 1,80,000.
Cyber terrorism
Noting that cyber terrorism was another major threat facing several countries, Mr. Singh said cyber terrorists used digital tracks to attack important institutions and installations.
“The CISF needs to upgrade and technologically advance itself to face and counter any incident of cyber terrorism. Like the rapid action force, riot control and crowd management wing of Central Reserve Police Force, a specialised wing to counter cyber terrorism should be developed in the CISF,” he said.
He said the the Central Force was in the forefront of implementing 33% reservation for women among the central armed police forces. The Ministry had developed a mobile app for redressing the grievances of members. “We have also decided to grant ₹10,000 per year as uniform allowance to personnel below officer rank,” he said.
Noting that the CISF had declared 2017 as ‘Year of Training,’ he said all centres of the CISF had trained personnel more than the capacity and despite shortcomings in infrastructure. He assured to look into the infrastructural needs of the CISF.
On the occasion, 25 Assistant Commandants/Probationer of 31st batch, 310 sub-inspectors/executive trainees of 43rd batch and 708 assistant sub-inspectors/executive trainees of 8th batch passed out.
Parul Bora Shaw, assistant commandant, was decorated with ‘Sword of Honour’ for all-round best performance during the training period.
Medals were awarded to in-service officers and personnel on the occasion.
O.P. Singh, director general of CISF and V. Khamo, deputy inspector general/principal of RTC, Arakkonam were present.
