Deploy CISF after security audit: Parliamentary panel

The panel in its report on the Central Industrial Security Force (Amendment) Bill,2008,said such an audit would have given the right assessment of the quantum of deployment of CISF for providing security coverage in private and joint sectors.

The report said the Committee,headed by Sushma Swaraj (BJP),has been given to understand that there was “stagnation” in certain cadres and resultant resentment in the force.

It suggested that efforts should be made to increase the promotional avenues in all the cadres of CISF in general and in the affected cadres in particular.

The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in December last year in the wake of Mumbai terror strikes which targeted the Taj and Oberoi hotels. Since the Bill was referred to the Standing Committee,an ordinance was promulgated during the inter-session period.

Observing that there would be a natural inclination amongst the CISF personnel to seek lucrative postings in the private sector,the panel said “there is need for putting in place a suitable personnel policy in the CISF to impart the required re-orientation to its personnel in the wake of the new areas of deployment”.

It also said the Government should formulate a comprehensive billing system for charging the costs from the private and joint sector.

“The Government should ensure that it does not incur any expenditure,direct or indirect,for security coverage provided in any private installation,” it said.

The panel also said that private industrial houses should not be allowed to seek CISF protection to save on benefits like PF,gratuity,retirement benefits and ESI by suspending or terminating services of personnel already employed by them.

The Committee felt that it would be appropriate if such facility was extended to the cooperative sector,as there were some big industries in that sector which also contribute to the national economic growth and development.

It recommended that the criteria for providing CISF protection should be scientific,reasonable and transparent,based on ground realities like threat perception,security and integrity of the country.

The Committee felt that while the CISF would be entrusted with physical protection and security,cyber crimes should also be addressed.

“If necessary,training may be given to CISF personnel and setting up of a separate IT unit may be considered,” it said adding that the CISF personnel should be provided with latest weaponry and technology to enhance their preparedness.

The CISF should also be provided helicopters for quick response to meet any emergent situation,it said.

The panel said the CISF should strictly be deployed to protect the installations and machineries and production only and not interfere in industrial or land dispute.

The statement of objects and reasons of the Bill said with the growing threat of terrorist outfits,industries in the private sector and joint ventures,which have contributed to the growth of economy,also require CISF cover.

It sought to extend CISF cover to Indian Embassies or UN Peacekeeping Missions abroad. The move to amend the law came in the backdrop of the terror strikes in Taj and Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai and the recent attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul. Besides,Naxalites have been targeting private telecom installations and oil refineries in some states.