In a landmark move towards empowering women in security forces, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to raise its first Mahila Reserve Battalion in Nuh, Haryana, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had approved the creation of 1,025 posts for the battalion on November 11, 2024, and the Haryana government subsequently allocated 50 acres of land for the project. On January 24 this year, the MHA granted clearance for the battalion’s location plan, paving the way for this significant development.
Addressing Growing Demand for Women Personnel
The decision to establish the battalion comes amid the increasing requirement for women personnel in the Delhi NCR region, home to crucial CISF units such as the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Parliament House Complex, and the Central Government Building Security. The upcoming Jewar International Airport is further expected to amplify the need for women officers, especially in high-alert situations and critical security operations.
Strategic Location for Rapid Deployment
By situating the Mahila Reserve Battalion in Nuh, CISF aims to ensure both cost-effective and swift deployment of trained women personnel during emergencies in Delhi NCR and adjoining areas. The facility will feature advanced security equipment and gadgets designed to meet evolving operational requirements.
Relocation of Existing Battalion
In addition to the new battalion, the CISF will move its 1st Reserve Battalion — currently operating temporarily in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh — to Indri village in Nuh. Having both battalions in close proximity is expected to bolster the force’s overall readiness and effectiveness in securing sensitive installations across the region.
Vision for Women’s Participation
The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing women’s participation in every field of nation-building. First approved in November 2024, the establishment of the all-women CISF battalion marks a significant step towards achieving gender parity in the security sector.
To be raised as an elite unit, the Mahila Battalion will be responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure, including airports and metro rails, as well as providing VIP security as commandos. Headed by a Senior Mahila Commandant, the battalion will consist of 1,025 personnel of various ranks.
With these developments, CISF is poised to reinforce its security apparatus while championing women’s empowerment and professional growth within India’s paramilitary forces.
