Why In The News?
The government has designated CISF as the security regulator for 250+ seaports to strengthen coastal security.
1) New Security Framework:
- Sovereign Entity at Seaports: Government to deploy CISF as a sovereign security force at private cargo-handling ports for a uniform security system.
- Initial Coverage: CISF to regulate 80 major export-import seaports for access control, cargo screening, and seafront patrolling.
- Phase-wise Expansion: Remaining 170 seaports will be brought under CISF in stages.
- ISPS Code Role: CISF designated as the Recognised Security Organisation under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
2)Framework for Seaport Security in India:
- International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code:
India’s port security system aligns with the mandatory global ISPS Code, introduced after 9/11 to protect ships and port facilities from terrorism and other maritime threats. - Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as Security Regulator:
The Government of India has recently designated the CISF as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for ports, marking a major reform to strengthen and standardise port security across the country.
3)Challenges to Port Security:
- Non-Standardised Security Framework:
- Security at many non-major ports historically lacked uniformity and expert oversight.
- Heavy dependence on private security agencies or local police resulted in inconsistent standards.
- Transnational & Non-Traditional Threats:
- Maritime terrorism remains a persistent risk.
- Smuggling and drug trafficking, with ports often used for large narcotics consignments.
- Cyberattacks targeting port IT systems and critical infrastructure.
- Infrastructure & Manpower Gaps:
- Difficulty in ensuring uniform, high-quality security infrastructure across 250+ ports.
- Significant manpower shortages: CISF requires 800-1,000 personnel per major seaport and has requested 10,000 additional personnel for initial deployment.
- Coastal Vulnerabilities:
- Large stretches of coastline remain open, poorly monitored, or unguarded.
- Absence of a sovereign security force at private ports has created long-standing security gaps.
- Identified Gaps in Official Reviews:
- Coastal security flagged as a priority for discussion at the Director Generals of Police (DGP) Conference, attended by the Prime Minister.
- The 2023 MHA guidelines highlighted major deficiencies and recommended comprehensive improvements.
4) Committee Recommendations:
- Committee Findings: A 2024 Joint Committee (CISF + Director General Shipping) conducted gap analysis and proposed corrective measures.
- Hybrid Security Model: Core security functions to be handled by CISF, while State Police/private agencies manage non-core duties.
5)About CISF:
- Overview: CISF is a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, headquartered in New Delhi; motto: “Protection and Security.”
- Establishment:
- Formed in 1969 through the CISF Act, 1968 with three battalions.
- Declared an Armed Force of the Union after the 1983 amendment.
- Expanded into a multi-skilled force with 188,000+ personnel.
- Provides security to 359 establishments nationwide.
- Organisation Structure:
- Headed by a Director-General (IPS), assisted by an Additional DG.
- Divided into seven sectors: Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, Training.
- Has a dedicated Fire Service Wing.
- Functions:
- Secures critical infrastructure: nuclear and space facilities, airports, seaports, power plants.
- Protects Delhi Metro, Parliament Complex, heritage monuments, and major government buildings.
- Responsible for airport security since 2000 (post IC-814 hijacking).
- Provides VIP security to designated protectees.
- Trained in disaster management (floods, earthquakes, cyclones).
- Operates India’s largest Fire Protection Service among CAPFs.
- Post-2008 Mumbai attacks, expanded to private sector security.
- Functions as a compensatory cost force, billing clients for services.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements:
1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government. 2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security. 3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States. How many of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
