Amit Shah Hails CISF as Pillar of Industrial Security at 57th Raising Day

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, addressed the 57th Raising Day ceremony of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest at Mundali in Odisha, highlighting the force's critical role in safeguarding India's industrial growth and national economic ambitions. On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for three major CISF residential complexes and inaugurated two others, collectively valued at ₹890 crore, aimed at improving housing and welfare facilities for CISF personnel and their families.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the Union Home Secretary, the Director General of CISF, and several senior officials and dignitaries.

CISF: From Modest Beginnings to Industrial Security Leader

Addressing the gathering, Shri Amit Shah said that the CISF has completed 56 years of dedicated service, evolving from a modest beginning to become one of India's most important security forces responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. He described the journey of the force as a story of dedication, courage, and professionalism, adding that CISF has steadily risen to the pinnacle of industrial security.

He emphasized that India's ambition to become the world's largest economy cannot be achieved without robust industrial development, which in turn requires a secure environment for industries to thrive. According to the Home Minister, the establishment and growth of the CISF have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of India's key industrial and strategic assets.

Shri Shah also highlighted how the force has successfully adapted to evolving threats over the decades by combining India's historic traditions of bravery with modern technologies and equipment, enabling it to respond effectively to new security challenges.

Strengthening National Infrastructure Security

The Home Minister underlined that the CISF has become a critical pillar of India's national security architecture, guarding a wide range of infrastructure and strategic installations across the country. Currently, the force provides security to 70 airports and 361 key installations, including nuclear facilities, space establishments, power plants, metro networks, and government institutions.

He further noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs has recently decided to entrust the security of all ports in the country to CISF, expanding the force's operational responsibilities to India's vast maritime infrastructure. This move is expected to significantly enhance the protection of strategic ports that are vital for trade, logistics, and national security.

Shri Shah also said that CISF has been designated as the nodal agency for drone security, reflecting the growing importance of counter-drone systems in protecting sensitive installations from emerging aerial threats.

Supporting India's Economic Vision

Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of making India a fully developed nation by 2047, the Home Minister said that the CISF will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and stable environment required for economic expansion.

He highlighted the government's goal of making India the world's third-largest economy by 2027, stating that CISF acts as a "catalyst" in achieving this vision by securing industrial ecosystems and enabling uninterrupted economic activity.

In the past year alone, the force has been entrusted with the security of several major national projects, including Kartavya Bhavan, Seva Teerth, Noida International Airport, Navi Mumbai Airport, Lengpui Airport, Jawaharpur Thermal Power Project, and the Bhakra Dam Project, among others.

Expansion into Hybrid Security Model

Highlighting innovation in security management, Shri Amit Shah said that the government had asked CISF four years ago to develop a hybrid security model to extend its services to private industrial groups. This model, equipped with modern surveillance and security technologies, has now been developed and will soon allow CISF to provide professional security services to private sector industries as well.

This initiative is expected to strengthen industrial security standards across both public and private sectors, while leveraging CISF's expertise in protecting complex and high-value installations.

Housing Projects for CISF Personnel

During the event, the Home Minister laid the foundation stone for three residential complexes for CISF personnel in Kamrup, Nashik, and Sehore, while inaugurating newly constructed complexes in Rajarhat and Maidangarhi. These projects, collectively costing ₹890 crore, are designed to improve the quality of life of CISF jawans and their families by providing modern residential infrastructure.

Shri Shah also released "Sentinel," the annual journal of the CISF, which documents the achievements, innovations, and operational experiences of the force.

Recognition of Bravery and Service

The Home Minister paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of CISF personnel who have consistently demonstrated exceptional courage in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure.

He noted that over the past 56 years, CISF personnel have received 13,693 medals for gallantry and distinguished service, reflecting the force's exemplary performance and commitment to duty. In addition, the force has been honored with 9 President's Distinguished Service Medals, 2 Best Battalion Trophies, and international sports medals earned by CISF athletes.

According to Shri Shah, these recognitions highlight the professionalism and excellence that CISF personnel maintain across operational, administrative, and sporting domains.

Role in Anti-Naxal Operations

The Home Minister also emphasized the role of CISF in supporting anti-Naxal operations, particularly in states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. He reiterated the government's commitment to eliminate Naxalism from the country.

Shri Shah stated that the government has resolved to make India free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026, expressing confidence that security forces will defeat attempts to establish a "Red Corridor" stretching from Tirupati to Pashupatinath.

He said that the combined efforts of India's security forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have already brought the country close to achieving this objective.

Strengthening India's Security Framework

Concluding his address, Shri Amit Shah said that ensuring both internal and external security is essential for India's development journey. He affirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs remains fully committed to safeguarding the country's borders and internal security environment, enabling India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.