Women commandos in CISF. (Photo via special arrangement.)
New Delhi: In a landmark decision aimed at empowering women and enhancing their role in national security, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Union home ministry) has approved the establishment of the country’s first all-women battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force.
The CISF, a preferred choice for women aspiring to serve the nation among the central armed police forces (CAPFs), currently has women comprising over 7% of its personnel. The addition of this new mahila (women’s) battalion is expected to encourage more young women across India to join the CISF and contribute to the nation's security.
“This will give a new identity to women in the CISF,” the force stated announcing the move. The CISF Headquarters has already started preparations for the early recruitment, training and selection of the location for the headquarters of the new battalion.
Women commandos in CISF. (Photo via special arrangement.)
The training for the elite women’s battalion is being specially designed to equip them with the skills required for multifarious roles, including VIP security and the protection of critical infrastructure, such as airports and the Delhi Metro.
According to the CISF, the proposal for the creation of this all-women battalion was initiated in pursuance of a directive issued by the Union home minister, Amit Shah, during the 53rd CISF Day function.
A CISF all-women marching contingent in New Delhi. (Photo via special arrangement.)
This move comes as India continues to make strides towards greater gender equality in its security forces. In 2022, the Indian government announced plans to induct women into the prestigious National Security Guard, also known as the “Black Cats”, for the first time. The establishment of the CISF’s all-women battalion is another significant step in this direction.
