In a significant policy initiative aimed at encouraging women empowerment in the organisation, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to induct its first-ever “All-Women Commando Team” into its core operations.
Training of women commandos has already begun at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh, as per a force official.
The specially designed eight-week-long advanced commando course for the women personnel will prepare them for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) duties at highsecurity establishments and installations guarded by the force.
The programme includes physical fitness and weapons training, live-fire drills under stress, endurance-building exercises like running, obstacle courses, rappelling, survival training in forests, and other methods designed to test decision-making and teamwork under adverse conditions.
The first batch of 30 women personnel, who are currently deployed across various airports—will undergo training up to October 4, which began earlier this month. The second batch of women personnel will undergo the training from October 6 to November 29.
In its initial phase, at least 100 women from different Aviation Security Groups (ASGs) and sensitive CISF units will complete the program. The Force is committed to making such all-women courses, a regular part of its training calendar.
Inclusion of women in its core capabilities has moved the CISF forward in gender parity and explored a new space on the operational front for the personnel.
The force is also increasing women’s recruitment to achieve the Ministry of Home Affairs’ target of 10 per cent representation. Currently, CISF has 12,491 women ( which is 8 per cent of its strength), and 2,400 more will be recruited in the coming year.
In times to come, recruitment will be structured to ensure that women consistently make up at least 10 per cent of the entire force strength.
