New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved an increase in the strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from the existing 1.62 lakh to an authorised ceiling of 2.2 lakh personnel, in a bid to bolster industrial and critical infrastructure security amid India's rapid economic growth.

The augmentation will support CISF deployment across key sectors including aviation, ports, thermal and nuclear power plants, hydropower installations, jails in Jammu and Kashmir, and other vital facilities. With the decline of Left-wing extremism in states like Chhattisgarh, new industrial hubs are expected to emerge, necessitating enhanced security coverage.

Around 14,000 personnel will be recruited each year for the next five years, creating fresh employment opportunities and infusing young talent into the force. The CISF also expects greater participation of women, backed by policies aimed at improving female representation across all ranks. The expansion will allow the raising of an additional battalion for internal security and contingency duties.

In the past year, CISF inducted seven new units under its Security Wing, including deployments at the Parliament House Complex, Ayodhya Airport, NTPC Coal Mining Project (Hazaribagh), ICMR-National Institute of Virology (Pune), Buxar Thermal Power Project, Jawahar Thermal Power Project (Etah) and Beas Satluj Link Project (Mandi). Two units were added under the Fire Wing.

Officials said the move reflects the government's commitment to strengthening CISF's capabilities in line with evolving security needs, ensuring it remains a robust and responsive force.