The Tribune Special: How CISF now guards the temple of democracy

Two anniversaries shadow the Parliament House Complex: the 2001 terror attack that shocked India’s democratic conscience and the 2023 security breach that exposed worrying gaps in access control.

Out of those twin reminders has emerged a far more muscular, technologically driven and professionally structured security architecture. At its centre stands the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), now the primary custodian of the nation’s most sensitive democratic space.

In May 2024, after a painstaking review of the vulnerabilities revealed in 2023, CISF assumed full command of Parliament’s layered security matrix. Over 3,300 personnel were inducted, including more than 200 specialists in fire and disaster response, marking the largest single security restructuring of the complex in two decades.

“The force introduced aviation-grade screening procedures, multi-level verification protocols and an integrated counter-terror posture designed to neutralise threats ranging from concealed weapons to drones and cyber intrusion,” a senior CISF official told The Tribune.

The officer described the transformation as nothing short of a generational shift. Where the pre-2023 model relied heavily on legacy systems and multiple coordinating agencies, the new framework consolidates control, intelligence flow and response capability under one uniform command.

The result is quicker decision-making, clearer accountability and the ability to mount rapid, specialised action at the slightest deviation from protocol.

One of the most consequential reforms is invisible to public eyes: a revised posting and eligibility policy that changes who guards Parliament and for how long. The tenure of personnel has been extended from three to four years, with the possibility of one additional year. “This ensures familiarity with MPs, movement patterns and building contours while maintaining a controlled, annual rotation to inject fresh capability,” the officer said.

Only the most meticulously screened personnel now qualify. A clean service record, SHAPE-I medical fitness and completion of at least two specialised courses are mandatory. Multi-stage evaluation, including psychological testing, battle physical efficiency assessments, PHC-specific induction and comprehensive security clearance, filters out all but the most suited for the role.

Another officer informed that the training regimen is equally sharp-edged. Parliament-bound troops undergo customised NSG modules at Manesar, counter-terror drills with the Army in Srinagar, and advanced courses at CISF academies in Behror and NISA.

“They are trained to respond to CBRN emergencies, drone threats, armed assaults, sabotage, cyber-attacks, bomb scares and complex multi-agency evacuation scenarios,” said the official, adding that over the past year, CISF has conducted 12 joint drills with Delhi Police, IB, NSG, NDRF, Fire Services and NDMC, in addition to monthly surprise drills designed to assess true readiness.

Night-firing sessions, sniper training and rapid-response exercises have added another layer of precision. Annual psychological testing for all personnel and monthly BPET evaluations for Quick Reaction Teams ensure that the force remains at peak physical and cognitive performance.