Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, attended the 56th Raising Day Parade of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Regional Training Centre in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu. The event, held outside Delhi as part of a new tradition, saw the presence of Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and CISF Director General Rajvinder Singh Bhatti.
Addressing the gathering, Shah lauded CISF’s pivotal role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, and industrial hubs, which are essential for India’s economic growth. He emphasized that without CISF’s dedication and efficiency, the smooth functioning of the nation’s key installations would be unimaginable.
Shah reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 and a global leader by 2047. He stressed that CISF would play an integral role in achieving these milestones by ensuring the security of industrial and commercial establishments.
He also praised the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and announced that the CISF Regional Training Centre in Thakkolam would be named after the legendary Chola warrior, Rajaditya Chola, in recognition of the state’s historical contributions to India’s governance and administration.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening CISF, Shah revealed that over 14,000 personnel had been recruited in the past year, contributing to the employment of more than one lakh youth across all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
A major development was the introduction of regional language options, including Tamil, in CAPF recruitment exams. Shah urged Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister to introduce medical and engineering courses in the Tamil language, ensuring greater accessibility for students.
Shah noted that CISF has been equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the Digi Yatra system at airports, ensuring streamlined security checks. He also announced the formation of three new CISF battalions, including an all-women battalion, to bolster national security.
During the event, Shah honored CISF personnel with the President’s Police Medal, the Jeevan Raksha Medal, and the Gallantry Medal. He also launched the CISF annual magazine Sentinel and laid the foundation stone for six development projects worth ₹88 crore, aimed at enhancing personnel welfare, infrastructure, and training facilities.
In addition, he inaugurated a newly constructed gym and Pup Hall at SSG Noida, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of security forces.
Virtually flagging off the CISF Cyclothon 2025, Shah announced that the rally would cover coastal villages across India, concluding at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. The initiative aims to engage local communities in discussions on security and development, gathering on-ground inputs for future policy enhancements.
Further, Shah highlighted CISF’s contribution to environmental sustainability, revealing that the force had planted over five lakh trees in the past five years, with a target of three lakh more in the coming year. He encouraged personnel to participate in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, a tree-planting initiative honoring mothers.
Under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, over 31 lakh health cards have been issued to CAPF personnel. Additionally, 13,000 houses and 113 barracks have been constructed, with special accommodations for female personnel. Shah also announced a 50% GST discount on indigenous products sold in Central Police Welfare Stores from April 1, 2024.
Paying tribute to the 127 CISF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Shah reassured their families that their sacrifices were instrumental in India’s security and prosperity.
