CISF unveils HR policy to make Force Future Ready

CISF unveils HR policy to make Force Future Ready

• Create a pool of Domain experts for world-class security solutions.
• Choice-based postings for work-life balance.

CISF is the premier security agency of the country providing security to strategic & vital assets of the country. The diverse nature of sectors and threats makes security an onerous responsibility for the Force with multiple operational constraints and contingencies. The NGOs joining the Force are recruited from all areas of the country providing regional diversity as well as an India character to the Force. Accordingly, Section 15 of CISF Act-1968 mandates that every member of the Force shall be liable to be employed at any location within or outside India.
Since the last posting guidelines which were issued in 2017, CISF has undergone remarkable growth and transformation. Our force has expanded from 1.5 lakhs to more than 1.9 lakh personnel, and our operational footprint has grown from 339 to 359 units. We’ve also ventured into new territories like jail security and Parliament House Complex.
CISF’s operating environment is increasingly global and dynamic, with growing technology use, drone threats, and international security standards. The Force needs to continuously absorb new technology, skills, and knowledge to address emerging security challenges. Social changes, such as more women joining and married working couples, also need consideration in transfer/posting guidelines.

Considering this dynamic security environment and its impact on operational and administrative needs, the 2017 NGO posting/transfer guidelines have been reviewed and replaced.
Human resources is the most important resource of a Security Force. This HR Policy will impact over 98% of the Force members (out of a sanctioned strength of 1,94,053) over their entire service cycle of nearly 38 years. It supersedes the policy of 2017 and encourages Force members to bring new knowledge, technology, and skills into the Force to meet emerging security challenges. At the same time, the policy aims to motivate Force members with better work-life balance across their entire service period by addressing their personal needs.
There are many “Firsts” in this policy:-

Domain experts: For the first time a pool of Domain experts will be created in at least 10 areas. Force members with the highest level of knowledge and skills will be identified, nurtured, and deployed as Domain experts in at least 10 areas namely Information Technology including cyber security and data science, Aviation Security, Training, Battle Craft, Weapons & Tactics, Anti-Drone solutions, Fire management, etc. The Domain experts will train with the best institutions and be tasked with developing and implementing a world-class security solution. Further International Security standards in different Sectors like Aviation, port security, etc will be identified to ensure world-class Security solutions. A beginning has already been made by setting up the Internal Quality Control Unit in the Aviation Sector that will ensure new aviation technology solutions and ICAO security standards are incorporated into Airport Sector Security duties.

Specialized Skill category:- Training Instructors, SSG Personnel, K9 Experts, Bandsmen, and Sports Personnel: They will be imparted enhanced quality training through a rigorous process of selection and Annual Performance Review. Such highly talented personnel will get preference in their Choice posting due to the highly skilled & demanding nature of their work.
Multi-disciplinary competence among Force Members shall be encouraged through deputations to other security organizations, UN Missions, etc. Quality of training across diverse sectors shall be enhanced through a rigorous process of selection of Training Instructors and their Annual Performance Review.
Choice-Based Postings: For the first time in CISF’s history, we’re introducing choice-based postings. Each personnel will have the opportunity to list ten preferred posting locations, giving them a voice in decisions that profoundly affect their lives and families.

Retirees: Personnel retiring within 2 years will be given a posting out of 3 choices of location. They will be given 1st Priority in the allotment of vacancies during the issue of posting orders. This will help them plan for the marriage of children & post-retirement settling issues.

Special preference for Women and Couple Cases:- Nowadays, increasing no’s of women are joining CISF as a career option. A work-life balance needs special consideration for such women personnel, especially those managing their families single-handedly. After 6 years of Non-Choice Posting, their remaining Service will be Choice posting. Married Working Couples can now work in the same location more easily through more thoughtful posting decisions. The aim is to create a more resilient and satisfied force.
Fixed Time Line and Schedule for issue of posting orders: For Retirees posting orders shall be issued by – 31st Dec, Women: By 15th Jan, Couples: By 31st Jan, Rest-By 15th Feb. This will help in planning for the education of children and other requirements well in advance.
Other aspects:-

• Choice-based postings for around 24 years in a service cycle of nearly 38 years especially during the period of children’s education and after attaining 50 years of age.
• Choice posting 2 years before retirement vs one year at present.
• Balance between regional representation and Indian character of all Forces with nearly 60% personnel from the Home Sector & 40% from out of the Home Sector.
• Promote excellence in sports in multiple disciplines through ties up with the National Sports Federation for coaches, experts, and Annual Performance reviews.