CISF cycle rally to spread awareness about security in coastal villages
Subhashis Mittra
On the occasion of the 56th Raising Day Parade of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Union home minister Amit Shah virtually flagged off the CISF Cyclothon 2025 from Thakkolam in Tamil Nadu. But it was not just one of those usual cycle rallies taken out in different parts of the country. This particular CISF cycle rally will cover every coastal village of the country and reach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
“During this journey, our personnel will not only raise awareness about security in the coastal villages but also inform villagers about development. Additionally, the CISF personnel will collect suggestions related to security and village development,” the home minister said as the chief guest. He emphasized that the ‘ground zero inputs’ provided by the personnel will help ensure better facilities and security in these coastal villages.
It was decided in 2019 that instead of celebrating the CISF Raising Day in New Delhi, it would be celebrated in different parts of the country. Accordingly, the CISF Raising Day event this year was held at the Regional Training Center in Thakkolam (Tamil Nadu) on March 7.
In his address, Shah said that in the last 56 years, the CISF has not only ensured the development, progress and mobility of the country, but has also played an important role in its smooth functioning. The security of vital installations associated with the industrial development of the country, including ports, airports, important business, tourism and research institutions cannot be imagined without the CISF, he said.
“It is due to the unwavering loyalty, hard work and dedication of the CISF personnel that the country is moving forward safely in the field of industrial development,” he said, adding, “CISF personnel have also taken interest in numerous social activities and taken it forward.”
Shah stressed that CISF’s contribution will be very important in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to make India the third-largest economy in the world by 2027 and to make India the leader in every field by 2047.
The Union home minister said that over 14,000 positions were filled in CISF last year. In all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), more than one lakh youth have been provided employment, and the recruitment process for 50,000 more youth is currently underway.
Shah said that until now, there was no provision for recruitment exams for CAPF in regional languages. However, according to the decision of the Modi government, besides Hindi and English, now youth can take the CAPF recruitment exams in Tamil and other languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
He said that CISF has always prioritized security. Over the past 56 years, CISF has set golden standards in national security across every sector of the country. CISF personnel work to protect the movement of nearly one crore people at various places, including ports, airports, and metros, ensuring their safety from all threats.
“It is a matter of pride that CISF personnel are also entrusted with the security of the new Parliament building,” Shah said, and pointed out that CISF personnel ensure the safe movement of over 70 lakh passengers daily in the Delhi Metro with discipline and patience, without any lapses. Additionally, they are responsible for the security of 250 ports and the responsibilities for port security are expected to increase in the future.
Shah said that the government has equipped CISF with state-of-the-art technology and is continuously providing the force with the latest technological advancements. ‘Digi Yatra’ has been implemented at many airports, which has significantly reduced the time required for security checks. CISF has not only adopted international standards in airport security but is also very close to setting records in this regard. An Internal Quality Control Unit has also been established, through which continuous training is imparted for ensuring high security standards. CISF has also established a special training center for counter-drone capabilities.
Shah mentioned that the Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh and the Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra will soon be included under CISF’s security. For this, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has approved establishment of three new battalions last year, one of which will be a completely a women’s battalion.
Paying tribute to the 127 CISF personnel who sacrificed their lives in protecting the country, the home minister said that these personnel paid with blood while discharging their duties in different parts of the country. It was a matter of pride for their families.
Shah launched the CISF’s annual magazine, Sentinel in the presence of CISF Director General Rajwinder Singh Bhatti. He also honored 10 personnel with the President’s Police Medal, 2 with the Jeevan Raksha Medal, and 10 with the Gallantry Medal, noting that these brave personnel have advanced the excellent traditions of CISF.
The Union home minister also laid the foundation stone for six different infrastructure and development projects worth Rs 88 crore to improve the health, smooth duty performance, and facilities for CISF personnel. Besides, he inaugurated the newly constructed gym and Pup hall at SSG Noida.
Shah informed that the CISF has planted more than five lakh trees in the past five years, and a target of planting over three lakh trees has been set for the next year. He mentioned that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every CISF personnel will plant a tree to express gratitude to their mothers. He appealed to all CISF personnel to practice yoga daily.
He mentioned that several steps have been taken for the welfare of CAPF personnel, including the issuance of over 31 lakh cards under the Ayushman CAPF scheme. Additionally, 13,000 homes and 113 barracks have been constructed, and under the e-Housing Portal, it has been ensured that no housing remains vacant.
Shah stated that special barracks have been created for female personnel, and the ex-gratia amount has also been increased. Besides, the sale of indigenous products in Central Police Welfare Stores is being promoted, and from 1 April 2024, a 50 per cent discount on GST is being offered.