CISF Raising Day 2024: History, Significance and How it is Celebrated

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is an annual event held to commemorate the establishment of CISF. This year, it is being celebrated on March 10th. The CISF is a paramilitary security force. It is tasked with providing security to industrial centres, state-funded infrastructure projects, and public sector undertakings. It also protects other critical infrastructure points such as airports, nuclear power plants, sea ports, oil refineries, mines, and more.

Last year, CISF took over the security of the Parliament building from Delhi Police. Unlike the Indian Army or police departments, CISF is a compensatory cost force, meaning that it charges its clients for its service.

CISF Raising Day: History and Significance

The CISF Raising Day honours the founding of the paramilitary force. It was founded on March 10, 1969. This year, the nation will celebrate the 55th CISF raising day. CISF comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headquartered in New Delhi. The CISF is organised into six fractions: Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern. Other than providing security to critical infrastructure projects and state-funded businesses, CISF also plays an important role in disaster management. As per CISF’s website, its Fire Wing is the largest among all fire services in the country.

In its inaugural year, the force had a strength of 3,129. Today, CISF has grown to become one of the largest security forces in the country with a strength of over 1.6 lakh personnel. The CISF Raising Day provides an occasion to honour the sacrifice and contributions of CISF personnel in safeguarding the country’s crucial assets and enterprises.

How CISF Raising Day Is Celebrated

There are many ways in which the CISF Raising Day is held across the country.

1. Cultural programsMany state institutions and CISF centres hold parades, dance and music shows, flag-hoisting ceremonies, speeches, and presentations to mark the day.
2. Community EngagementSeveral CISF units decide to mark the day by organising health check-up camps, blood donation drives, and awareness programmes on public interest issues.
3. Awards CeremoniesOn this day, many CISF personnel are awarded for their exceptional service and bravery.
4. Training ProgramsSome CISF units organise special training programs or workshops to improve the skills of CISF personnel. They use the CISF Raising Day as an opportunity to upskill the force.
5. Sports and GamesTo promote camaraderie between the units, many CISF outposts and centres host games and sports to encourage team bonding.