Context:
Following a security breach in December 2023, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the security of the Parliament complex. The CISF personnel have replaced the 150 personnel of the Delhi Police, which included 54 women personnel, who were previously deployed for Parliament security.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Dimensions of the Article:
- Background on Security Breach at New Parliament Building
- Overview of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Overview of Existing Security System in Parliament
Background on Security Breach at New Parliament Building
Inauguration and Incident
- The new Parliament building was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, marking its first official use.
- On December 13, 2023, two individuals carrying colour spraying canisters breached security protocols by entering the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour from the visitors’ gallery.
- The intrusion was reportedly a protest against rising unemployment, ethnic violence in Manipur, and farmers’ issues.
- Six individuals were subsequently arrested and booked under various sections, including terror charges. The police are yet to file a chargesheet in the case.
Security Measures
- Following the breach, eight Delhi Police security personnel responsible for frisking and baggage scanning were suspended.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) subsequently tasked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) with conducting a survey of the Parliament premises for regular deployment.
Overview of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Establishment and Purpose
- CISF was established in 1969 under the “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968,” initially to provide security cover to sensitive public sector undertakings.
- It has evolved into a premier multi-skilled organization with a current strength of 1,63,590 personnel.
Administration
- CISF operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, with its headquarters located in New Delhi.
Operations and Mandate
Security Coverage
- CISF provides security cover to 353 establishments across the country, including Atomic Power Plants, Space Installations, Defence Production Units, Mines, Oil Fields, and Refineries.
VIP Protection
- It is mandated to provide protection to VIP protectees of Z+, Z, Y, and X category across the country.
Airport Security
- CISF was assigned the task of airport security in 2000, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 to Kandahar.
Private Sector Security
- The CISF Act was amended to allow the force to provide security, on payment basis, to private and joint venture industrial undertakings vital for the security and economy of the country.
- E.g. – The Infosys campuses in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Pune, the Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar and the Reliance refinery in Gujarat’s Jamnagar
International Deployments
- CISF contingents have been deployed at the United Nations Stabilizations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Public Interface
- CISF is the only Central Armed Police Force with a daily public interface, providing security services in airports, Delhi Metro, and iconic monuments.
Overview of Existing Security System in Parliament
Access Control
- Currently, access control measures, including frisking and baggage scanning, are overseen by the Delhi Police.
- In response to the security breach incident, eight Delhi Police security personnel responsible for frisking and baggage scanning were suspended.
Armed Intervention
- The Parliament Duty Group (PDG), an armed component of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is deployed to handle situations requiring armed intervention.
Overall Security Management
- The Parliament Security Service, under the authority of the Lok Sabha Speaker, serves as the overall in-charge of security within the Parliament premises.
-Source: The Hindu
