New Delhi: In a decisive step forward towards vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of empowering women and giving impetus to Naari Shakti, the Government of India on Thursday notified that 1989-batch Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Nina Singh is the next Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Singh becomes the first woman Indian Police Service officer to have been made the head of this elite Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).  

Singh was the first woman IPS officer assigned to the Rajasthan cadre, and over the years has held pivotal roles across the state. During 2013-18, she served as Joint Director in the CBI, overseeing high-profile cases of national and international significance. Since 2021, Singh has been associated with CISF, initially as ADG and later as Special DG. Assuming the role of DG in-charge since August 31, 2023, Singh, a Bihar native and an alumna of Patna Women’s College, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Harvard University, brings a wealth of experience to her leadership in law enforcement. Singh's appointment as the Director General of CISF is effective until July 31, 2024, aligning with the date of her superannuation.

The CISF came into existence in 1969 to provide integrated security cover to certain sensitive public sector undertakings with a strength of only three battalions. The force has since grown into a premier multi-skilled organization with a present strength of 1,73,355 personnel. The CISF at present provides security cover to 358 establishments through the length and breadth of the country. The CISF also has its own Fire Wing which provides services to 112 of the above establishments.

The CISF security umbrella includes India’s most critical infrastructure facilities like nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants etc. In addition, the CISF also protects important government buildings, iconic heritage monuments and the Delhi Metro. The CISF also has a specialized VIP Security vertical providing round the clock security to important protectees.

Meanwhile, the Government has also appointed heads to two more CPAFs. Anish Dayal Singh from the Manipur cadre assumes the mantle of Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the world's largest paramilitary force. With a force strength exceeding 3.25 lakh personnel, CRPF plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and countering terrorism, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Singh was holding the additional charge of the CRPF following the retirement of incumbent S L Thaosen on November 30. A 1988-batch IPS officer, Singh will lead the CRPF until his superannuation on December 31, 2024.

Rahul Rasgotra, a seasoned 1989-batch IPS officer with an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades in the Intelligence Bureau, has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The ITBP, deployed along the Sino-India border, plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's interests. Rasgotra's appointment is particularly timely, given the enhanced focus on intelligence gathering and surveillance. He will serve in this capacity until September 30, 2025, aligning with the date of his superannuation.

Vivek Srivastava, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Home Guards. Currently serving as a Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, Srivastava brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His tenure will extend until June 30, 2025.

These appointments highlight the government's emphasis on entrusting key responsibilities to officers with diverse experiences and a proven track record. The newly appointed chiefs are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the strategic direction of their respective paramilitary forces, contributing to the nation's security apparatus. /BI/