The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), one of India’s premier security agencies, has unveiled a revolutionary Human Resource (HR) policy aimed at preparing the force for emerging security challenges while improving work-life balance for its personnel.
CISF plays a crucial role in securing the country’s strategic and vital assets, from airports to nuclear facilities. Over the years, the force has expanded significantly, growing from 1.5 lakh to 1.9 lakh personnel and increasing its operational units from 339 to 359. The force saw a new Director General in August when Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, a 1990 batch Bihar cadre IPS officer, took over the reins of the body. Revamping the HR policy for the benefit of the personnels was something that was being pushed repeatedly by Home Minister Amit Shah.
CISF has now ventured into new areas, such as jail security and securing the Parliament House Complex. As security threats evolve and technological advancements shape the global landscape, CISF recognized the need to revise its HR policies to stay ahead.
The new HR policy introduces several groundbreaking changes, with a strong emphasis on domain experts. For the first time, a pool of top-tier professionals will be created in at least 10 areas, including Information Technology, cybersecurity, Aviation Security, Anti-Drone solutions, and Fire management. These domain experts will undergo advanced training with the best institutions and be tasked with implementing world-class security solutions. A major initiative has already been launched in the aviation sector, with the setting up of an Internal Quality Control Unit to integrate new aviation technologies and ICAO security standards.
One of the most significant changes in the policy is the introduction of choice-based postings. Personnel will now have the opportunity to list ten preferred posting locations, marking a major shift in how the force manages transfers. This will give members more control over their lives and allow them to consider family needs, such as children’s education and spousal employment. For the first time, personnel retiring within two years will also be allowed to choose from three posting locations, easing their transition to post-retirement life.
In August 2023, the Lok Sabha was informed that 436 personnel of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) had died by suicide in the preceding three years, and that, overall, 1532 personnel had died by suicide since 2011.
The policy also includes special provisions for women and married couples. With an increasing number of women joining CISF, the policy aims to support work-life balance by offering choice-based postings after six years of non-choice posting. Additionally, married working couples will have an easier time being posted to the same location, promoting a more supportive environment for both personal and professional commitments.
Another noteworthy aspect is the emphasis on specialized skills. Highly skilled personnel, such as Training Instructors, K9 experts, and sports professionals, will receive enhanced training and be given priority in postings due to the demanding nature of their work. The policy also encourages multi-disciplinary competence, offering opportunities for deputations to other security organizations and UN missions.
To streamline the posting process, fixed timelines have been established. Posting orders for retirees will be issued by December 31, for women by January 15, for couples by January 31, and for the rest by February 15. This new schedule will help personnel plan their family lives and personal commitments well in advance.
