Amit Shah Announces the Creation of India’s First All-Women CISF Battalion to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure
New Delhi: In a landmark move towards increasing women’s participation in national security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Wednesday the formation of India’s first all-women battalion within the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The battalion, set to include over 1,000 female personnel, will be tasked with safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure, including airports, metro systems, and providing VIP security as commandos.
The decision, which was approved by the Union government earlier this week, marks a significant step in empowering women in the field of national security. The Mahila Battalion, as it will be called, is being raised in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering greater female participation in all areas of nation-building.
“In a firm step towards realizing Modi Ji’s vision of enhancing women’s participation in every field of nation-building, the Modi government has approved the establishment of the first all-women battalion of the CISF,” Shah wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Home Minister highlighted that the battalion would play a vital role in enhancing the security of India’s most critical infrastructure. This includes key facilities such as international airports, metro rail networks, and other vital installations. Additionally, the women personnel will serve as commandos, tasked with providing security for high-profile individuals, including VIPs and dignitaries.
Safer public spaces, greater gender inclusivity, and equal opportunities for women in defense and security forces have been among the government’s key priorities in recent years. Shah further noted that the creation of this battalion would inspire more women to join forces dedicated to the protection of the nation, fulfilling their aspirations to serve in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Currently, women make up over 7 percent of the total personnel in the CISF, which has a strength of approximately 1.80 lakh. This new all-women battalion will further enhance the representation of women in the country’s paramilitary forces, a sector that is gradually evolving to become more inclusive.
