First all-women CISF battalion approved by Modi government: Amit Shah

'To be raised as an elite troop, the Mahila Battalion will shoulder the responsibility of protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, like airports and metro rails, and providing VIP security as commandos,' the Home Minister said.

New Delhi: A first-ever all-women CISF battalion has been sanctioned by the Narendra Modi government, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday saying it will be raised as an "elite troop" tasked with protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and providing VIP security as commandos.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the sanction order on Monday for an exclusive women "reserve battalion", with 1,025 personnel led by a senior commandant-rank officer. Around 7 per cent of 1.77 lakh CISF personnel are women.

In a firm step towards realising Prime Minister Modi's vision of enhancing women's participation in every field of nation-building, Shah said the government has approved the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the CISF.

"To be raised as an elite troop, the Mahila Battalion will shoulder the responsibility of protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, like airports and metro rails, and providing VIP security as commandos. The decision will certainly fulfil the aspirations of more women to participate in the crucial task of protecting the nation," he posted on 'X' making the announcement.

Officials said the preparation for recruitment and training as well as selecting the location for the reserve battalion has been initiated. This will be the 13th reserve battalion of the CISF.

Established in 1968 with 3,129 personnel, the CISF has grown into a paramilitary force with 1.77 lakh personnel as of June 1 this year. Altogether, the CISF has 74 formations, which includes the reserve battalions and eight training institutes.

As per the mandate, CISF is providing security to the strategic establishment, including the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, the Airports, the Delhi Metro, the ports, the historical monuments, and the basic areas of Indian economy such as petroleum and natural gas, electricity, coal, steel and mining.

It also provides protection to some private sector units and important government buildings in Delhi. Presently, CISF is also providing security to the protected persons classified as Z Plus, Z, X, Y, and is the only paramilitary force with a customised and dedicated fire wing.