In a landmark decision, the Home Ministry has approved the establishment of the first-ever all-women battalion within the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This specialized unit, designated as a “reserve battalion,” will consist of 1,025 personnel under the leadership of a senior commandant. Currently, women make up around 7 percent of the 1.80 lakh-strong CISF, which protects vital national assets including airports, metro systems, and historical sites.
The formation of this exclusive battalion marks a significant step toward increasing women’s representation in India’s security forces. Recruitment and training preparations are already underway, with the CISF designing a specialized training regimen to equip the battalion with elite skills for diverse roles. These will range from VIP security as commandos to safeguarding major infrastructure such as airports and the Delhi Metro.
The initiative stems from directions given by Home Minister Amit Shah during the 53rd CISF Raising Day celebrations in March 2023, emphasizing the need for an all-women unit. The force, which already deploys female personnel at high-traffic locations, is now focused on securing a dedicated headquarters for this unit. Currently, CISF’s 12 reserve battalions are mixed-gender, but this new battalion will be an all-women team, underscoring a step forward in gender inclusion within India’s security forces.
