Srinagar, Dec 25: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has introduced choice-based postings for the first time in its history as a new Human Resource (HR) policy allows its personnel to list their preferred posting locations and enhance work-life balance.
The new policy, which replaces the guidelines established in 2017, marks a significant step forward in enhancing operational capabilities, promoting technological expertise, and fostering a work-life balance across the Force. It is designed to address emerging global security challenges while prioritizing the well-being of its personnel.
On 23rd December, Dr. K. C. Samantaray, IG (ADM) CISF during a presser in New Delhi, said, for the first time, choice-based posting has been introduced. Each personnel will have the opportunity to list ten preferred posting locations, he said.
Dr. Samantaray said CISF personnel retiring within two years will be given a posting out of three choices of location, and they will be given 1st priority.
“In case of women and couples, after six years of non-choice posting, they will have the option of choice-based posting. Their remaining services will be ‘choice-based’ posting,” he added.
Meanwhile CISF Spokesman told Rising Kashmir that CISF has unveiled a new posting policy giving priority to the welfare of the force members. Under this, choice-based posting has been introduced for the first time, he said.
The spokesman said that special provisions for domain experts force members to attract excellent talent and for technological upgradation. The total strength of CISF is 1.9 lakh personnel, and they provide security services to 359 units of various departments and ministries.
In a communiqué, CISF said that the feature of the new HR policy is the introduction of domain expertise to enhance operational capabilities. For the first time, the CISF will create a pool of experts in specialized fields such as cybersecurity, aviation security, anti-drone solutions, and fire management.
It said that considering this dynamic security environment and its impact on operational and administrative needs, the 2017 NGO position and transfer guidelines have been reviewed and replaced.
Communiqué further said that human resource 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.
“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 including Weapons & Tactics, Anti-Drone solutions, Fire management,” Communiqué said.
It further said that the transformative nature of the new HR policy. Our aim is to create a world-class security force equipped to handle emerging challenges.
“Domain experts in critical areas such as cybersecurity, aviation security, and anti-drone solutions will undergo advanced training at the best institutions and will be responsible for developing and implementing top-notch security solutions.”
The Communiqué further elaborated on the integration of international standards. We are committed to identifying global security benchmarks in sectors like aviation and port security.
“The establishment of the Internal Quality Control Unit in the aviation sector is a testament to this commitment, ensuring ICAO standards and cutting-edge technology are incorporated into airport security operations,” it said.
The Communiqué further said that training Instructors, SSG Personnel, K9 Experts, Bandsmen, and Sports Professionals will receive enhanced training and annual performance reviews. These highly skilled individuals will also have preference in choice postings to recognize their critical contributions to the Force, he added.
“For the first time in CISF history, personnel will have the opportunity to list ten preferred posting locations. This policy gives them a voice in decisions that directly affect their lives and families.”
Highlighting the provisions for retirees, Communiqué states that personnel retiring within two years will receive priority in postings based on three preferred locations. This will assist them in planning important life events, such as their children’s marriages and post-retirement arrangements.
“Special attention has been given to women personnel and married couples. We understand the unique challenges faced by women, especially those managing families single-handedly”.
Communiqué further says that after six years of non-choice postings, they will have choice postings for the remainder of their service. Similarly, married working couples will benefit from policies that make it easier for them to work in the same location,” he added.
To ensure predictability, they have introduced fixed timelines for posting orders.
“Retirees will receive their orders by December 31, women by January 15, married couples by January 31, and the rest of the Force by February 15. This helps our personnel plan their lives better,” it said.
On balancing regional representation, the Communiqué said that the new policy ensures a balance between regional representation and the all-India character of the Force, with 60% of personnel posted in their home sector and 40% outside.
“Through collaborations with the National Sports Federation, our personnel will have access to professional coaches and experts. This initiative is aimed at fostering excellence in sports across multiple disciplines,” it said.
