CISF’s First All-Women Commando Unit

Why in the news ?

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken a significant step toward promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment by launching its first all-women commando unit.

Training Center and Program:

• The training is being conducted at the Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh.
• Currently, 30 female personnel are undergoing an 8-week advanced training program.
• Key activities included in the training program:
  • Physical fitness and endurance building
  • Weapon handling and operational training
  • Live-fire exercises
  • Rappelling
  • Survival exercises

Deployment:

• These women commandos will be deployed at high-security locations.
• They will be part of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and specialized task forces.
• In the first phase, at least 100 female personnel are planned to be trained for aviation security groups and other sensitive units.

Women’s Participation and Future Plans:

• Currently, women constitute around 8% of the CISF workforce.
• The goal is to increase this to 10%.
• Around 2,400 more women are expected to be recruited next year.
• This initiative will be integrated into CISF’s regular training program to ensure women personnel have equal opportunities in specialized responsibilities and security operations.

About the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):

• Established: CISF was established on 10 March 1969 and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Purpose: Its primary role is to provide security to public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other critical government installations such as airports, seaports, nuclear power plants, and metro rail systems.
• Motto: CISF’s motto is “Protection and Security.”
• Strength: CISF currently has over 1.7 lakh personnel and is one of India’s major Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• Scope of Work: CISF also provides security consultancy services to private industries and has a dedicated fire wing.