The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned the creation of the first-ever all-woman battalion for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
- CISF proposed an all-woman battalion in early 2023 following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s direction at the force’s 53rd Raising Day in March.
About All Women CISF Battalion
- Structure: The new battalion will consist of over 1,000 personnel and will be led by a senior commandant-rank officer.
- The battalion will join the existing 12 reserve battalions within CISF, which currently include both male and female personnel.
- Purpose and Duties of the All-Woman Battalion: This exclusive unit is intended to address the increasing responsibilities of CISF in protecting VIPs, airports, Delhi Metro, and other critical installations.
- The all-woman battalion will be trained to perform diverse roles, including VIP security and security at various high-risk facilities
- Formation and Structure of the Battalion: The unit will be established within the already sanctioned manpower of CISF, which totals around two lakh personnel.
- Training and Recruitment: Special training programs are being developed to equip the battalion with elite skills for a wide range of security functions.
- Preparations are underway to recruit, train, and determine the stationing location for the new battalion.
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Notable Women In Indian Army
- Historic Command Roles: Commander Prerna Deosthalee became the first woman to command an Indian Naval warship, marking a breakthrough in leadership positions for women in the Navy.
- Combat Participation: Five women officers, including Lt. Mehak Saini and Lt. Aditi Yadav, joined the Army’s artillery units, highlighting expanded combat roles for women.
- Global Military Exercises: Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi was the first woman fighter pilot from India to participate in an international aerial wargame in Japan, boosting India’s global defence representation.
- Frontline Leadership: Group Captain Shaliza Dhami became the first woman to lead a frontline IAF combat unit, setting a precedent for women in strategic command roles.
- Gallantry Recognition: Wing Commander Deepika Mishra received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), the first for a female IAF officer, recognizing her valour in flood relief missions.
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Encouragement for Women Aspirants
- The establishment of a Mahila battalion is expected to encourage more young women across the country to join CISF.
- It will create a new identity for women in the force, enhancing the appeal of CISF as a career choice for women.
- Women make up more than 7% of CISF personnel and are already deployed at high-profile sites, including 68 civil airports, the Delhi Metro, and heritage sites like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
About CISF
- CISF is an armed force of the Union established under an Act of Parliament, “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 ”.
- The strength of the force, established with the help of 3129 personnel in 1969, was increased to 1,77,713 in 2024
- Headquarters and Governance: Headquarters is located in New Delhi and works directly under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Organisational Structure: Led by a Director-General (IPS officer) and assisted by an Additional Director-General (IPS officer).
- Divided into seven sectors: Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training.
- Includes a specialised Fire Service Wing making it the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with a dedicated fire wing.
Functions and Responsibilities of CISF
- Critical Infrastructure Protection:CISF provides counter-terrorism security for critical infrastructure, including nuclear and aerospace facilities.
- Airport Security: Responsible for airport security since 2000, post the IC-814 hijacking incident.
- Heritage and Public Spaces: Protects iconic monuments, the Delhi Metro, Parliament House Complex, and Central Jails in Jammu and Kashmir.
- VIP Security: Provides security to high-profile individuals.
- Expanded Mandate (Post-2008): Following the Mumbai terror attacks, the mandate broadened to include private corporate security and consultancy services.
- Consultancy Services: Provides security consultancy to private sector entities such as Infosys Offices and Reliance Refinery.
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Woman in combat role
| Pros |
Cons |
| Increased Diversity of Perspective |
Potential Physiological Disadvantage |
| Enhanced Unit Cohesion |
Potential Impact on Unit Morale and Dynamics |
| Larger Talent Pool |
Logistical Challenges |
| Improved Public Perception |
Concerns about Sexual Assault and Harassment |
| Increased Gender Equality |
Potential for Lowered Standards |
November 13, 2024
