CISF Boosts Parliament Security: Extended Tenure, Enhanced Training for Personnel

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In a bid to strengthen security at India's Parliament complex, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has revised its posting policy for personnel stationed there. Effective immediately, the rotational tenure for CISF guards has been extended from three years to a maximum of five years, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on suitability. The CISF has also made it mandatory for the 3,300 personnel posted within the complex to undergo rigorous training and assessments. These include: * Psychological evaluation to ensure personnel are mentally fit for duty * Regular battle efficiency tests to maintain their combat readiness * Training with the Army and the National Security Guards (NSG) to enhance their skills * Completion of customized NSG training, counter-terrorism training with the Indian Army, and sniper courses The revised guidelines aim to improve familiarity among personnel with Members of Parliament and their movement patterns within the complex. This will aid in accurate identification, secure access protocols, and layered threat detection and response. The CISF has also taken steps to address past instances of security guards not recognizing MPs by their faces. To prevent such incidents, a fixed proportion of personnel will be changed every year, ensuring a steady infusion of fresh faces. The changes come in the wake of a massive security breach at the Parliament complex on December 13, 2001, and a recent security survey conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in December 2023. In January 2024, the security of the Parliament complex was handed over to the CISF, marking a significant shift from the previous joint management by Delhi police, the CRPF, and the Parliament Security Service (PSS).