The deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to the high-security prisons of Jammu and Kashmir marks a pivotal step in enhancing the security apparatus of these critical facilities. However, the prolonged absence of formal sanction for these units, even after nine months of their deployment, underscores a pressing administrative inefficiency that warrants immediate attention. The CISF’s assumption of security duties at Srinagar Central Jail and KotBhalwal Jail in October 2023 was driven by a strategic need to bolster prison security with a force skilled in campus security and access control. These prisons, housing numerous terrorists and hardened criminals, require robust security measures. The CISF’s expertise is well-suited for such environments, ensuring a controlled and secure setting. However, the temporary nature of their deployment has resulted in significant logistical and administrative challenges.
One of the primary issues arising from this lack of formal sanction is the disruption in financial and personnel management. Troops deployed under the “internal security duty” pattern do not receive regular HRA and other linked benefits, as financial allocations are made on an ad hoc basis. This not only affects the morale of the personnel but also hampers the overall efficiency of the units. A formal sanction would enable better financial planning and provide the personnel with the stability they need to perform their duties effectively. The Union Government’s broader plan to entrust the CISF with the security of more “hyper-sensitive” central jails further underscores the necessity of addressing this issue promptly.
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