CISF strength to reach 220K as govt approves 30% increase

FOR LWE-HIT AREAS

- Prawesh Lama

The Centre has approved a significant increase of over 30% in the strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), raising its total sanctioned personnel to 220,000, officials familiar with the development said, adding that the additional manpower will primarily be deployed in industrial zones and upcoming development projects in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, particularly in Chhattisgarh, beginning next year.

In several zones reclaimed from Maoist influence, the security of key installations — such as National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) in Dantewada and various steel and iron ore plants in Bhilai — has already been handed over to the CISF.