Chidambaram asks CISF to set up R&D unit

New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to set up a small Research and Development (R&D) unit to keep up with the growing security threat in the country.

''It is important to have latest of science and technology for securing vital installations like airports, atomic energy establishments and iconic establishments of the country,'' Mr Chidambaram told mediapersons on the sidelines of the 41st CISF Day.

He said in view of varied responsibility from airports to atomic energy establishments and from VIP security to fire fighting, it was important that the paramilitary security force harness science and technology.

''The CISF should set up a small R&D centre within the force to look for new ideas and build them,'' he stated.

''A small unit of highly qualified physicists and engineers needs to be established, which should look all over the world how important establishments elsewhere are being protected,'' he added.

During his address to CISF personnel, the Minister appreciated their efforts in securing vital establishments in the country.

''Laying their lives for the country is a testimony of the standard of courage and determination the CISF personnel have,'' he observed.

Paying homage to Martyrs and their families, Mr Chidambaram assured them that next to the kin of the Martyrs would be provided jobs.

He also criticised the ''hostile forces'' for attempting to destabilise the country. ''Hostile forces seek to undermine the security and stability of our country,'' he asserted.

''Terrorism and militancy are trying to hinder our economic growth,'' he added.

Underlining the importance of CISF, he said, ''Our growth depends on our infrastructure and our infrastructure will grow only in a secured environment and this is where the crucial role of CISF comes to play in.'' He also assured that Private Sector would be treated on par with the Public Sector.

''The private and public sector will be treated on par. We will not compromise on providing security to the public sector undertakings, while extending the same to the private sector,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

''We have been receiving large number of requests from the private sector for the deployment of CISF. They are being examined and the force will be deployed in order of priority,'' he informed.

The security force came into existence in 1969 with an initial strength of about 3,000 personnel to provide security to industrial establishments and has since moved on to new areas like airports, government buildings, monuments, disaster management, VIP security and Delhi Metro Rail, with a strength of 1,22,000 personnel.

It is providing security cover to over 290 units including 57 airports spread all over the country.

With the growing threat of terrorist outfits, over 100 private sector industries approached the government to get CISF cover.