A New India

Chapter 123: Drafting the CISF Act of 1953

Rohan sat at his desk, a heavy file before him, filled with papers that would shape India's security infrastructure for decades to come.

Across the table, KN Menon, the Home Minister, was flipping through the document, his eyes scanning every word carefully.

The draft of the CISF Act of 1953 had been Rohan's priority for months, and today, the final piece of that work was coming together.

Rao, the chief of R&AW, sat with his arms crossed, deep in thought.

Beside him, Atma, the director of IB, and KP Singh, the External Affairs Minister, waited quietly as Menon read through the legal text.

Neeraj, stood near the window, his arms folded.

After what felt like hours, Menon finally looked up from the draft.

His brow furrowed, but there was a glint of respect in his eyes. "It's solid," he said simply. "But there are a few details we'll need to refine before we can push this through."

Rohan leaned forward, his hands resting on the desk, his tone steady but firm. "We don't have time for delays, Menon."

Menon sighed, understanding the urgency

"I agree, This act will grant the CISF a tremendous amount of authority. We're talking about a paramilitary force with jurisdiction over vital industries. That's a lot of power, Sir. Parliament will need to see the justification, especially considering how much control we're giving them over civilian industries."

Rohan nodded. "And they'll see it. The stakes are too high for us to leave these industries exposed. This isn't just about security, it's about the future of our economy. If even one refinery or power plant is compromised, it could devastate our infrastructure."

Neeraj, still gazing out the window, spoke without turning around. "The key will be framing it not as government overreach but as essential protection. We'll need to show that this force is designed to act as a shield, not as an oppressive arm of the state."

Rohan nodded, appreciating Neeraj's insight. "That's exactly how we'll present it."

He picked up the draft of the CISF Act of 1953 and began to read through the key provisions aloud, as his team listened intently:

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Draft of the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1953

Section 1: Short Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act may be called the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1953.

(2) It extends to the whole of India, including the territories controlled by the Union of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

Section 2: Definitions

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires

(a) "Industrial Installation" refers to any infrastructure facility critical to national interests, including but not limited to: power plants, oil refineries, steel plants, airports, and ports.

(b) "Central Industrial Security Force" (CISF) means the paramilitary force established under this Act for the security and protection of industrial installations and infrastructure.

(c) "Inspector-General" means the officer appointed to head a sector or zone of the CISF. Content from m-vl|emp,yr

(d) "Director-General" means the head of the entire CISF force, appointed by the Central Government.

Section 3: Constitution of the Central Industrial Security Force

(1) There shall be constituted and maintained by the Central Government a Force to be known as the Central Industrial Security Force for the better protection and security of industrial installations, infrastructure, and any other premises as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(2) The CISF shall consist of such number of officers and personnel as the Central Government may determine from time to time, having regard to the security needs of industrial and strategic installations.

(3) The CISF shall be organized into divisions based on sectors: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, North Eastern, and Airport Sectors, each headed by an Inspector-General.

Section 4: Control and Supervision

(1) The CISF shall be under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

(2) The Director-General of the CISF shall report directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs and be responsible for the overall command, supervision, and functioning of the force.

Section 5: Powers of the Force

(1) The members of the CISF shall, while performing their duties under this Act, have all the powers, privileges, and protection of a police officer under any law in force.

(2) The CISF shall have the authority to take measures to secure industrial installations, manage internal security incidents, prevent sabotage, and take necessary action to neutralize threats to such installations.

(3) The Force shall be empowered to conduct inspections, set up surveillance, and respond to security incidents at any industrial or infrastructure installation as designated by the Central Government.

Section 6: Training and Recruitment

(1) The Central Government shall establish training centers, including the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) in Hyderabad, for the purpose of recruiting and training officers and personnel for the CISF.

(2) The CISF shall prioritize recruiting veterans from military and police forces, who shall undergo additional training tailored to industrial security, fire safety, and counter-terrorism operations.

Section 7: Collaboration with Other Agencies

(1) The CISF shall work in close coordination with the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and local law enforcement to secure installations and share intelligence on potential threats.

(2) The CISF shall have the authority to liaise with private industries that opt to engage the force for consultancy services, thereby extending the reach of the CISF to non-government sectors as deemed necessary by the Central Government.

Section 8: Special Provisions for Fire and Disaster Management

(1) The CISF shall maintain a Fire Wing composed of trained personnel specifically assigned to manage and mitigate industrial accidents, fires, and other hazards that pose a threat to national infrastructure.

(2) The Fire Wing shall be stationed at critical industrial installations, including refineries, ports, and steel plants, to provide rapid response in the event of fire or other disasters.

Section 9: Offenses and Penalties

(1) Any act of obstruction, sabotage, or violence against a member of the CISF in the performance of their duties under this Act shall be punishable by law as a criminal offense, subject to imprisonment and fines as determined by existing laws.

(2) Offenses involving the sabotage or attempted sabotage of an industrial installation under CISF protection shall be considered acts of terrorism and prosecuted under the relevant terrorism laws.

Section 10: Consultancy Services

(1) The CISF shall offer consultancy services to public and private sector organizations in matters of industrial security, fire safety, and disaster preparedness.

(2) Such services shall be provided on terms and conditions determined by the Central Government, and the CISF may charge fees for its consultancy work as a means of extending its expertise beyond government installations.

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Rohan paused after reading through the draft.

It was a comprehensive act, designed not just to create a security force but to establish a framework that would safeguard the heart of India's economy.