CISF Symbol of Courage and Sacrifice, Adopting Modernity to Become Shield of National Security: Amit Shah
Mundali (Odisha): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has become a strong shield of national security by combining bravery, sacrifice and dedication with modern technology and capabilities.
Addressing the 57th Raising Day celebrations of CISF at Mundali in Odisha as the chief guest, Shah highlighted the crucial role played by the force in safeguarding India’s industrial and strategic infrastructure. On the occasion, he also laid the foundation stone for three residential complexes of CISF in Kamrup, Nashik and Sehore, and inaugurated two residential complexes in Rajarhat and Delhi. The projects are being developed at a cost of about ₹890 crore.
The event was attended by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Union Home Secretary, the Director General of CISF and several other dignitaries.
From Zero to the Pinnacle in Industrial Security
Shah said that after completing 56 years of service, CISF has risen “from zero to the pinnacle” in the field of industrial security. He noted that India’s ambition to become the world’s largest economy cannot be achieved without robust industrial development, which in turn requires a secure environment ensured by a specialized national industrial security force.
“Over the past 56 years, CISF has not only fulfilled the objectives for which it was established but has also constantly adapted itself to emerging challenges. The force has successfully embraced modernity while preserving its traditions of courage, discipline and sacrifice,” he said.
Backbone of Industrial and Infrastructure Security
The Home Minister emphasized that India’s industrial growth is inseparable from the role played by CISF. He added that the force continues to stand firmly as a shield protecting the nation’s economic assets.
Shah also announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs has recently decided to entrust security of all ports in the country to CISF, expanding the force’s responsibilities further.
Referring to the national vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said India aims to become a fully developed nation by 2047 and the third-largest economy in the world by 2027, and CISF is playing the role of a catalyst in achieving these goals.
Record of Excellence and Service
The Union Home Minister said CISF personnel have played a significant role in strengthening the country’s economic security through their dedication and sacrifices. He noted that the force has never stepped back from its duties.
During the ceremony, nine President’s Distinguished Service Medals, two Best Battalion awards and medals for athletes performing in international sporting events were presented. Shah said that in its 56-year history, CISF personnel have received 13,693 medals for gallantry and distinguished service, reflecting the force’s high standards of professionalism.
कटक (ओडिशा) में CISF के 57वें स्थापना दिवस समारोह में बल के अमर शहीद जवानों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित कर नमन किया। वीरों का त्याग, समर्पण और बलिदान हर युवा को राष्ट्रप्रथम को सर्वोच्च ध्येय बनाने के लिए प्रेरित करता रहेगा।@CISFHQrs pic.twitter.com/pxuiye1J6O
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 6, 2026
Expanding Role in Security
Today, CISF is responsible for securing 361 critical installations across the country, including 70 airports, besides playing a key role in emerging areas such as drone security, where it has been designated as the nodal agency.
Over the past year, several major projects have been assigned to CISF for security, including Kartavya Bhavan, Seva Teerth, Noida International Airport, Navi Mumbai Airport, Lengpui Airport, Jawaharpur Thermal Power Project and the Bhakra Dam project.
Shah also said that after taking charge of port security, CISF will be responsible for safeguarding a large part of India’s maritime infrastructure. He noted that the government had earlier introduced a hybrid security model, enabling CISF to provide protection to private industrial groups using advanced technology and equipment, a system expected to expand in the coming years.
Commitment to Ending Naxalism
The Home Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026, stating that CISF has played an important role in anti-Naxal operations in states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Telangana.
Expressing confidence in the security forces, Shah said the dream of a “Red Corridor” stretching from Tirupati to Pashupatinath would be completely defeated. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on the verge of becoming free from Naxalism.
“Ensuring both internal and external security is essential for building a developed India by 2047, and the Ministry of Home Affairs remains fully committed to safeguarding the nation both at the borders and within,” Shah said.