Context:
The Director-General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stated that responsibilities for ex-Agniveers inducted into the force are yet to be finalized. An internal committee is examining role allocation, while the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to clarify reservation patterns and service integration norms.
Key Highlights:
Policy Background – Agnipath Scheme
• Launched in June 2022 for four-year short-term military service.
• Only 25% retained in regular armed forces after tenure.
• Remaining 75% to seek civilian or paramilitary employment opportunities.
CISF & CAPF Assimilation
• CISF committee evaluating role allocation for ex-Agniveers.
• Possible deployment in port security, especially leveraging Navy-trained personnel.
• MHA to clarify reservation percentages and recruitment modalities.
• BSF has reserved 50% constable posts for ex-Agniveers (December 19, 2025 decision).
Security Outreach Initiative
• “Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026” covering 6,553 km coastline across 72 districts.
• Participation of 130 CISF personnel.
• Focus on awareness against smuggling of drugs, arms, explosives.
Key Concepts
• CISF: Protects critical infrastructure (airports, ports, PSUs).
• CAPFs: Include BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, CISF.
• Agnipath Scheme: Short-term military recruitment reform.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- CISF established in 1969 under CISF Act, 1968.
• Agniveers receive Seva Nidhi package post completion of service.
• CAPFs function under Ministry of Home Affairs.
• India has a 7,500+ km coastline, critical for maritime security.
• Coastal security strengthened post 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Assimilation enhances employment avenues for demobilized soldiers.
• Utilizes trained manpower for internal security and infrastructure protection.
• Reduces skill wastage and improves youth employability.
• Challenges: rank equivalence, training adaptation, service conditions, morale balance within CAPFs.
• Coastal security awareness aligns with comprehensive national security doctrine. - Way Forward:
- Frame clear absorption guidelines with transparent reservation norms.
- Provide bridging training modules.
- Ensure parity in pay and promotional avenues.
- Integrate skill mapping for optimal deployment.
UPSC Relevance
• GS 3: Internal Security – CAPFs, coastal security.
• GS 2: Governance – Public sector recruitment reforms.
• Prelims: CISF Act, Agnipath Scheme, CAPFs structure.