New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to depute 11 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), filling crucial vacancies at the senior command level. This move, however, has triggered unease within the CISF’s parent cadre officers, who are expressing concern about potential stagnation and reduced career prospects.
According to official sources, the MHA has reserved 32 senior positions in the CISF for IPS officers on deputation. These include–
- 1 post of Director General (DG)
- 1 post of Special Director General (SDG)
- 2 posts of Additional Director General (ADG)
- 8 posts of Inspector General (IG)
- 20 posts of Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
As of the latest update, 12 of these positions remain vacant, comprising 1 ADG and 11 DIG posts.
Deputation Orders Already Issued for Several Officers
On June 27, 2025, the MHA issued orders appointing Bihar cadre IPS officer Babu Ram (2009 batch) as DIG in CISF. This appointment follows the deputation of four other IPS officers in the last two months:
- Sanjay Kumar Sain (2011 batch, AGMUT cadre) – DIG
- Senthil A. Krishna Rao (2007 batch, Uttarakhand cadre) – IG
- Akhilesh Kumar (2005 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre) – IG
- Abhishek Goyal (2005 batch, Karnataka cadre) – IG
Sources indicate that up to 10 more IPS officers may be deputed shortly, with letters sent to state governments seeking nominations.
Parent Cadre Concerns and Supreme Court Context
The increasing deputation of IPS officers has caused an undercurrent of concern among CISF’s own cadre officers, who feel that their growth and command opportunities may be overlooked. These concerns have reportedly intensified following a recent Supreme Court observation, which commented on the balance of deputation and promotion in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
In informal conversations, some CISF personnel have expressed anxiety – even humorously asking colleagues, “What will happen to us now, sir?” – reflecting growing apprehension about career progression.
Deputation Policy Under Scrutiny
While the MHA maintains that deputation of IPS officers brings in inter-state expertise and administrative depth, officers within CISF argue that experienced internal officers should be given equal opportunity to rise to senior posts, particularly in leadership roles.
The debate also raises broader questions about cadre parity, long-term career development, and morale within CAPFs, especially as they take on increasingly complex internal security and industrial protection roles.
About CISF
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a specialized armed police force of India, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Its primary role is to provide security to industrial units, vital infrastructure, and other important establishments, both in the public and private sectors. CISF also plays a crucial role in airport security, disaster management, and providing security to VIPs.
CISF was established in 1969 with a strength of 3 battalions and has since grown into a large, multi-skilled organization with over 188,000 personnel.
