CISF Alters Tenure and Posting Policy for Parliament Security

Context:

• In the wake of a security breach at the Parliament complex on December 13, 2023, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has revised its tenure and posting policy for personnel deployed at Parliament.

• The move aims to strengthen internal security, improve operational familiarity, and address concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs).

Key Highlights:

Revised Tenure Policy

• The minimum tenure of CISF personnel at Parliament has been increased from three years to four years.

• A possible one-year extension may be granted based on suitability and performance.

• A fixed proportion of personnel will be rotated annually to balance continuity with freshness.

Rationale Behind the Change

• MPs had raised complaints about being questioned by unfamiliar CISF personnel.

• Extended tenure is intended to enhance familiarity between CISF staff and MPs, improving identification accuracy and trust-based security protocols.

Approval and Oversight

• The revised policy was approved by the Union Home Ministry, which sanctioned CISF deployment at Parliament following the 2023 breach.

Enhanced Eligibility and Screening Norms

• Personnel must have:

  • A clean service record, free from disciplinary proceedings

  • SHAPE-I medical category status (highest level of medical fitness)

  • Successful completion of specialised security courses

• A multi-stage screening process now includes:

  • Psychological assessment tests

  • Physical efficiency tests

  • Parliament-specific induction training

Advanced Training and Preparedness

• Training programmes include:

  • NSG-customised modules

  • Counter-terror training with the Army

• Regular mock drills simulate diverse threats such as:

  • Terrorist attacks

  • Bio-terrorism

  • Cyber-attacks

• These measures aim to maintain high readiness levels for evolving security challenges.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Strengthening security of Parliament after a breach.

• Causes: Security lapse, lack of personnel familiarity, evolving threat landscape.

• Government Initiative: Revised CISF tenure and deployment policy at Parliament.

• Key Features:

  • Four-year minimum tenure

  • Psychological assessments

  • Specialised counter-terror training

• Benefits: Improved identification, operational continuity, enhanced preparedness.

• Challenges: Balancing rotation with institutional memory, personnel management.

• Impact: Strengthened Parliament security architecture and reduced vulnerability.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Key Concepts:

  • CISF: Central armed police force responsible for securing critical infrastructure

  • SHAPE-I Medical Category: Benchmark for top physical and medical fitness

• Internal Security Dimension (GS III):

  • Protection of democratic institutions

  • Preparedness against multi-domain threats

• Polity Dimension (GS II):

  • Security of Parliament as a symbol of sovereignty

• Governance Aspect:

  • Importance of personnel training, screening, and institutional familiarity

• Way Forward:

  • Periodic security audits

  • Integration of technology-based access control

  • Continuous skill upgradation to match emerging threats

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS II: Polity, functioning and security of constitutional institutions

• GS III: Internal Security, role of CAPFs, counter-terror preparedness

• Prelims: CISF roles, Parliament security, SHAPE medical categories