CISF Roped In for Parliament’s Security

December 22, 2023

The government has taken a decisive step to enhance the security measures at the Parliament building complex. In light of a recent breach of the safety ring, official sources revealed that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will now be responsible for the “comprehensive” security of the complex.

Enhanced Security Measures by CISF

Under this new arrangement, the CISF will implement stringent access control procedures reminiscent of airport security. Persons entering both the new and old Parliament complex will undergo body frisking using handheld detectors. Additionally, their belongings will be subject to thorough scrutiny through X-ray machines. The CISF will even scan shoes, heavy jackets, and belts by placing them on a tray and passing them through the scanner.

Shift from Delhi Police Personnel

Previously, Delhi Police personnel were responsible for frisking visitors to the Parliament complex. However, the recent security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack prompted a reevaluation of security protocols.

Security Breach Incident

During the security breach, two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing yellow smoke and shouting slogans during Zero Hour. They were eventually overpowered by Members of Parliament, highlighting the need for a more robust security system.

Ministry of Home Affairs Directive

The Union home ministry directed a survey of the Parliament building complex after granting “in principle” approval to entrust the overall security to the CISF. The goal is to establish a “regular deployment of the CISF security and fire wing on a comprehensive pattern.” The survey, scheduled to begin later this week, will determine the exact number of CISF personnel required for the enhanced security task. It will also clearly define the roles of each security agency involved in Parliament security.

Integration of Security Forces

Both the new and old Parliament complexes, along with their allied buildings, will fall under a comprehensive security cover provided by the CISF. This cover will incorporate existing elements of Parliament Security Service (PSS), Delhi Police, and the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the CRPF. Members of the Parliament watch and ward security will undergo training at a CISF center. This training will focus on human and goods frisking, aligning with the new security measures.

CISF’s Role Since 2001

The CISF’s role in securing central government buildings in the national capital dates back to the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament. The Government Building Security (GBS) unit of the CISF was established, entrusted with the security of key buildings such as the North and South blocks, Cabinet Secretariat, Vigyan Bhawan, CBI headquarters, UPSC building, and the CGO complex.

CISF’s Charter and Current Responsibilities

The GBS’s charter is to “maintain a high level of security, including contingency response, access control, and conduct of anti-sabotage checks.” As a central armed police force (CAPF), the CISF currently guards various central government ministry buildings in Delhi, installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, 67 civil airports, and the Delhi Metro.

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