India’s New Delhi: The Centre has approved a big increase of more than 30% in the number of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officers. This is a big step toward making critical infrastructure safer and supporting new development projects, especially in areas that have been affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the past. The overall number of people in the force will now be 220,000, up from 162,000.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved this strategic increase, which is mainly meant to send more people to work in industrial zones and on new development projects in areas hit by LWE, with a special focus on Chhattisgarh starting next year.
An official who knows about the development said, “As development projects grow in LWE areas starting next year, there will be a growing need for strong security.” The MHA has also approved the creation of another CISF battalion that would be in charge of internal security and emergency duties.
Increasing the number of soldiers and bringing the army up to date
DIG Ajay Dahiya, who is in charge of intelligence, talked further about the recruitment push after confirming the expansion. “Last year, 13,230 people joined the force, and another 24,098 are being recruited right now.” He said, “We want to add about 14,000 people every year to bring in new blood and make the force more ready for battle.”
Dahiya said that the decrease in LWE operations in states like Chhattisgarh is making it possible for new industrial centers to be built, which means that the CISF needs to be present in more places. He went on to say, “The increased strength will let the CISF protect more important infrastructure, like airports, ports, thermal and nuclear power plants, and high-risk sites like hydropower projects and prisons in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The MHA’s finance division sent a letter on July 22, 2025, saying that the President had approved the CISF’s higher allowed ceiling strength through the MHA.
Safety and Growth Go Together in Places Where LWE Used to Be Strong
The Center has set a big goal to get rid of LWE and stop Maoist violence all over the country by March 31, 2026. The administration is focusing on development projects at the same time that security forces are taking back control of fresh areas in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This includes plans to build schools, businesses, and job opportunities for people in the area.
At the same time, the Chhattisgarh government has put in place a new industrial policy that is meant to draw investors to these new areas. This is in line with the Centre’s goal of combining security with development.
The Indian Railways is even expanding its network into areas that were once hard to get to because of LWE. Because Maoist militants have historically attacked railway workers during construction, the Railways have actively sought better protection.
The CISF is currently in charge of protecting 369 important sites across the country, such as the Parliament. The army protects 11 important places in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Kargil Hydroelectric Project in Bandipora, the Kishanganga Dam in Gurez, and hydropower projects in Uri-I and Uri-II. Several of these stations are close to the Line of Control, which makes their security very important against threats from other countries.