Whenever the discussion on India-Pakistan relations breaks out, ordinary people start judging the power of the two neighbors with military might, and many times the conversation concludes on the nuclear weapons both countries are equipped with. Not only this, whenever we compare the powerful nations, the nuclear establishments play a pivotal role. While you were talking about the nuclear facilities, did you ever think about the people who protect our weapons 24/7 without even a single break?

So, I’m throwing out a question again: Who protects our nuclear weapons and power plants? Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Police Department, CRPF or RAF? The answer is not among these. Pretty soon you’ll find the answer too, but before we go any further, let’s talk about how hard the job is. An error can lead our country to the draw. That is the reason why the security of establishments like nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons, spaceships/rockets, etc. it has always been crucial.

This crucial duty is being performed by our Central Industrial Security Force. Let us congratulate the force on its 54th day of breeding on March 10.

CISF’s duty is not limited to guarding our airports and monuments. The service area is too big that we common man can’t even imagine.

How hard is the CISF duty?

As I told you, the CISF is not only to protect our airports or monuments, the big organization is in charge of protecting nuclear power plants, mines, important ports, oil fields and refineries, space facilities, hydroelectric/thermal power plants owned and controlled by Central Public Sector Companies (PSU), and many more establishments. Please note that banknote presses that print Indian currency are also protected by CISF.

Now, be it an airport ticket or coin press or any power station. All of this requires a concrete protection plan against external threats. The physical security of establishments such as warhead storage or nuclear plants requires careful planning and error-free execution. The security of nuclear weapons requires a systematic assessment of external threats. This is not just a game of muscle power but also of brain power. Without a concrete plan, such tight security is not possible at all. That is the reason why life in CISF is as crucial as in Indian Army or Air Force. CISF duty it is as hard as the duty that soldiers perform at the border.

The CISF is a highly trained and professional force that employs advanced security technology and systems to ensure the safety of people and property under its protection. The force also has specialized units for the fight against terrorism, disaster management and VIP security, among others. The CISF also provides security to private sector organizations designated as being of strategic importance to the country’s economy and infrastructure.

Let’s not forget D.S.C.

While we’re talking about the hard life of CISF Jawans, let’s not forget to talk about the Defense Security Corps (DSC). It is a wing of the security force of the Indian Armed Forces. It was formed in 1947, shortly after India gained independence, with the aim of providing security for defense establishments and installations across the country. The DSC is comprised primarily of retired Army personnel, who are employed on a voluntary basis and trained in intelligence gathering and security techniques.

The DSC is responsible for providing security coverage to various defense establishments, such as military stations, artillery factories, and research and development organizations. The corps is also involved in providing security during ceremonial functions and other events of national importance. The DSC is organized into five regional commands, each of which is responsible for the security of a particular geographic area. The corps is headed by a Director General, who is a serving officer of the Indian Army.

The DSC is known for its professionalism and dedication to duty. He has been involved in various counter-terrorism and insurgency operations and has played a vital role in maintaining the security of defense establishments across the country. And to protect nuclear facilities and institutions like DRDO, DSC works closely with CISF to execute error-free security plans.

CISF Data Corner

• According to the data presented on December 3, 2019 in Lok Sabha, CISF provides security in 346 units across India.
• Based on data released in April 2022, CISF provides security coverage at 65 airports with a sanctioned force of 30,996.
• The representation of women in CISF is 7.05% as of 31.01.2023.
• Payment for the services provided by CISF at the Airports is made through the National Aviation Security Fee Trust (NASFT). The revenue collected under ASF Collection in 2020-21 was Rs. 1002.56 crores of which Rs. Rs 429.53 crore was disbursed to CISF.
• Most of the CISF staff guard the Delhi airport. The CISF sanctioned force to guard the Delhi airport is 5056. The government spends Rs. 420,94,54,186 (approximately Rs 420 crore) for IGI Airport, Delhi.
• On March 15, 1969, the CISF strength was 2,800 and CISF’s current active strength is 148,371 personnel.