CISF Assumes Fire Safety Role at Parliament, Expanding Its Security Functions
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Synopsis
The CISF now oversees fire safety at the Indian Parliament, enhancing security measures following a recent breach. This significant change includes collaboration with internal staff for improved emergency response.
Key Takeaways
- CISF now manages fire safety at the Parliament complex.
- This change follows a significant security breach in December 2023.
- The Union Home Ministry directed the transition of responsibilities.
- Collaboration with in-house staff aims to improve emergency readiness.
- CISF personnel are solely responsible for security checks.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) In a notable development, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has assumed the duty of fire safety within the Parliament complex, representing a crucial change in the security and safety framework of this prestigious institution.
According to sources, this change follows the CISF's recent takeover of extensive security responsibilities at the Parliament, succeeding both the Delhi Police and the Parliament Security Service (PSS) after a security breach in December 2023.
The Union Home Ministry had issued directives last year for the CISF to oversee security, which now integrates fire safety measures within the Parliament complex, as per reports.
Previously, the fire safety protocols and other emergency measures were managed by the PSS in conjunction with the Delhi Police, alongside assistance from various security agencies. This restructuring became necessary after a thorough evaluation of security protocols due to a severe breach on December 13, 2023, when certain individuals successfully navigated multiple security layers to release smoke canisters inside the Parliament Hall.
Last year, the CISF deployed a dedicated team of personnel, led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), taking over from the CRPF, which had been responsible for security in the Parliament premises. The CISF personnel now occupy the barracks and their duties now encompass all aspects of security, including fire safety measures, as stated by sources.
The fire safety unit within the CISF's larger security strategy will collaborate closely with Parliament's internal staff, enhancing the overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities. This initiative aims to bolster the Parliament's readiness for emergencies, integrating specially trained fire safety personnel into the security forces, according to sources.
CISF personnel are now exclusively responsible for security checks and frisking, a role previously shared with the Delhi Police and PSS, as per reports.
Sources indicate that while CISF commandos do not directly participate in visitor screening, they are prepared to handle any emergencies, particularly regarding armed infiltrators.
The transition of security responsibilities to the CISF followed a comprehensive security assessment mandated by the MHA in December 2023, after the breach during the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Notably, some individuals entered the Lok Sabha chamber with smoke canisters, resulting in the suspension of eight security personnel.
