Monday, Aug 25, 2025
SSBCrack
Search
  • Home
  • Indian Defence News
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
    • SSB Interview Date
    • Screening
    • Psychology
    • GTO
    • Personal Interview
    • Conference
    • Medical
    • Merit List
  • Books
    • OIR Test & PPDT
    • SSB Interview
    • Psych Tests Workbook
    • SSB Psychology
    • NDA Exam
    • CDS Exam
    • AFCAT
    • EKT
  • eBooks
    • SSB eBook
    • OIR Test eBook
    • TAT eBook
    • SRT eBook
    • WAT eBook
    • Current Affairs 2023
    • General Knowledge 2023
  • Online Courses
    • NDA Exam
    • CDS Exam
    • CDS OTA Exam
    • AFCAT Exam
    • MNS Exam
    • TA Exam
    • ACC Exam
  • Download APP
  • Success Stories
  • Join Us
Reading: Glaring holes in India’s premier industrial security force!
Share
Font ResizerAa
SSBCrackSSBCrack
  • Home
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
  • Books
  • eBooks
  • Courses
Search
  • Home
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
  • Books
  • eBooks
  • Courses
Follow US
© 2010 - 2025 SSBCrack . All Rights Reserved.

Home » Glaring holes in India’s premier industrial security force!

Indian Defence News

Glaring holes in India’s premier industrial security force!

Aritra Banerjee
By
Aritra Banerjee
No Comments
Last updated: August 24, 2019
Share
CISF Glaring holes in airport security
Glaring holes in airport security by CISF

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is one of the Central Armed Police forces (CAPF’S) of India under the ministry of home affairs (MHA). The central security organisation was formed on 15 June 1983, with the mandate of protecting and securing major critical infrastructure installations of the country, ranging from nuclear installations, space establishments, domestic & international airports, seaports, atomic & hydroelectric power plants, sensitive government buildings, heritage sights and infrastructure in Naxal-Maoist prone areas.

Contents
  • Bullet proof jackets issued to CISF personnel incapable of withstanding AK-47 rounds:
  • Lack of funds compromise the security of over 27 sensitive airports:
  • Other CAPF’s being forced to cover
  • Twenty Indian airports lack Counter Terrorism plans:
CISF 1
Personnel from the CRPF’s Airport Security Group (ASG)

With a recently sanctioned strength of 1,80,000 personnel, the armed police force is supposed to provide security to over 300 industrial units.

Following the hijacking of Indian airlines IC-814 in 1999, and the attack on the World Trade centre on September 2001, the government proposed that the security of airports should come under the CISF. Prior to the proposal airports security was under the purview of the airport police.

More Read

CISF All Women Commando Team
CISF All Set to Induct First-Ever All-Women Commando Unit for Front-Line Operations
Rajnath Singh with Gaganyatris CDS and Chief of Air Staff
Defence Minister Felicitates Gaganyatris, Calls Them Pioneers of India’s Aspirations
Karaulis Agniveer Ajit Singh Cremated with Full Military Honours
Karauli’s Agniveer Ajit Singh Rajpoot Cremated with Full Military Honours, Body Recovered 14 days after Uttarkashi Cloudburst

Despite being assigned the critical task of protecting sensitive and vital installations of the country, Intelligence reports and statements by high ranking officials have brought to light, the negligence and incompetence of CISF’s top brass. With parliamentary reports highlighting the grave shortage of funds funds, essential equipment and the glaring loopholes in the CISF’s deployment of personnel and vital counter terror contingency plans.

CISF Persoonel 3
CISF Jawaans guarding the entrance of an airport

Bullet proof jackets issued to CISF personnel incapable of withstanding AK-47 rounds:

The AK-47 (Kalashnikov) was introduced by the soviets in 1948 and since then the name applies to over 200 types of AK pattern rifles, manufactured both legitimately and illegitimately all over the world. The soviet-era rifle has been the most commonly used assault rifle in every conflict, civil war, extremist/terrorist violence across  the globe.

AK
Representational Image of an AK series rifle

It is the weapon of choice for terrorists, rebels, insurgents and the likes, due to its ease of handling, maintenance, use, availability, durability, stopping power and cost. In India, every militant killed or arms cache raided had an AK series rifle recovered from them.

AK 4
Weapons recovered by security forces

despite the likelihood of its personnel facing AK fire, The CISF has for the longest time, issued vests which do not provide them with adequate protection against AK rounds and small arms fire at close range! According a senior CISF officer speaking on the condition of anonymity.

“Bulletproof jackets for CISF personnel were procured in 2011 and a gun shot if fired from close range is capable of piercing the jacket”

Most of the airports are always on high alert and sensitive, use of bulletproof jackets are important in case of terror attacks.

Lack of funds compromise the security of over 27 sensitive airports:

According to a 2018 report prepared by the CISF and intelligence agencies, the government has not provided CISF security cover to over 27 sensitive airports (including Srinagar airport) for over 5 years due to lack of funds.

CISF SOLDIER 2
CISF commando providing security cover to a private chopper

(EXCERPT FROM REPORT)

In the recent report the Committee has opined that, civil aviation security is an integral and important element of national security. Airports are critical infrastructure and very vital from the perspective of national security.

Any large-scale damage or terrorist attack on the airport would be catastrophic with far reaching implications on the citizens and the economy. Explanations given to the committee for non-deployment of CISF at remaining airports was lack of funds. The report also speaks about the status of CISF security cover given to airports till now, adding the committee has recommended that the force should be deployed on priority to hyper-sensitive and sensitive airports in the first go.

CISF 2 1
CISF Jawaan on patrol duty

Out of the 26 hyper-sensitive airports in the country like the ones in metro cities of Mumbai and Delhi, 18 are under CISF cover while six like Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and others are not. Under the sensitive category there are 56 airports out of which only 37 have the paramilitary’s cover and amongst 16 normal airports only four have CISF security.

To sum it up, out of the total 98 functional airports in the country, 59 are under CISF cover leaving out 39. Out of the 59 airports under CISF cover, 53 are operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and six by joint ventures or private players.,”

Other CAPF’s being forced to cover

Shortcomings in the CISF, is forcing the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), IRB’S (Indian Reserve Battalions) and sometimes even regular State police units to cover for the CISF. These agencies are not specialised in aviation security and is not a part of their doctrine. This additional function is taking resources away from these already strained forces, making it difficult to carry out their own functions.

CRPF Deployed in Bhihar 1
The CRPF is already deployed in Counter Insurgency areas

There is no viable justification for the 1.42 Lakh strong armed police organisation to outsource their duties to other forces, as the CISF has a dedicated unit tasked with aviation security, known as the Aviation Security Group (ASG). This unit has approximately 2,2000 commandos trained primarily for airport security. The failure to deploy specially trained personnel for their dedicated role needs to be addressed.

Twenty Indian airports lack Counter Terrorism plans:

Twenty ‘hypersensitive’ Indian airports lack counter-terrorist contingency plans covering their approach roads, and is therefore a matter of great concern. ‘Eight’ of these hypersensitive airports are not even covered by the CISF, that alone being a red flag. Counter Terrorist Contingency Plan (CTCP) by the CISF at approach roads are available only at Delhi and Mumbai. The same needs to be put in place at 20 more international and hyper-sensitive airports.

CISF 3
CISF on patrol during Lok Sabha elections

The Parliamentary Committee formed on this issue recommends that airport security should be absolute. The panel headed by TMC Rajya Sabha MP KD Singh said in the report tabled in Parliament during the Winter Session, stressing the urgent need for an aviation security policy “before an untoward incident takes place”. further saying,

“it’s quite scary to know that the security of eight of our hyper-sensitive and 19 of our sensitive airports are not covered by the CISF which has now become the only specialised force for aviation security”.

There have also been deficiencies found in crucial security gadgets at several airports. Raising the question is aviation security receiving the attention and importance it deserves?

CISF AIRPORT
Personnel from the CISF’s Quick Response Team

The CISF’s motto is “protection and security” but the force is unfortunately not living up to its credo. How can the average citizen expect to stay safe when the security organisation itself cannot provide their own personnel safety and are having to rely on other forces to do the job assigned to them?

-sources- PTI, Committee reports, CAPF personnel.

IMA Mug

IMA Mug

₹499
Shop Now
IAF Mug

IAF Mug

₹499
Shop Now
NDA Mug

NDA Mug

₹499
Shop Now
Navy Mug

Navy Mug

₹299
Shop Now
NSG Mug

NSG Coffee Mug

₹499
Shop Now
TAGGED:CAPFCISF
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram
Share
ByAritra Banerjee
Follow:
Defence Correspondent at SSBCrack.
Previous Article Army creates human rights cell Major Reforms: Indian Army To Set Up Special Human Rights Cell
Next Article Gallantry awards of India png India’s Gallantry Awards: What You Should Know

TRENDING NEWS

IMG 20210410 WA0022 e1622995994656

SSB Interview Preparation Material Download Free PDF [All Sets]

January 8, 2025
Kishan Kulakarni 1

Wounded Before War: The Untold Struggle of Cadets Left Without Support

August 12, 2025
Honorary Ranks List Independence Day 2025 1

Honorary Ranks List Independence Day 2025 (Honorary Captain and Honorary Lieutenant)

August 14, 2025
Fastest Missiles

Top 5 Fastest Missiles in the World 2025 Ranked

August 21, 2025

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Anish Dayal Singh

Former CRPF Chief Anish Dayal Singh Appointed Deputy National Security Adviser

Indian Defence News
August 24, 2025
ISROs Test

ISRO Conducts Air Drop Test Ahead of December Gaganyaan Launch

Indian Defence News
August 24, 2025
DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight-Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

Indian Defence News
August 24, 2025
Indian Navy Helicopter

Ministry of Defence Issues RFI for 76 Naval Utility Helicopters for Indian Navy and Coast Guard

Indian Defence News
August 24, 2025
SSBCrack-Logo (2)

SSBCrack.com is a leading online platform dedicated to helping Indian defence aspirants prepare for the various armed forces examinations.

  • About Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • We Are Hiring
  • Write for SSBCrack
  • Share Your Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions
  • SSB Interview Process
  • Preparation Books
  • Online Courses
  • NDA Exam
  • CDS Exam
  • AFCAT

Follow US: 

© 2010-2025 SSBCrack. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?