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.
  • Only CAPF with daily public interface (airports, metro, monuments).

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