Central forces to get ex-servicemen status: Shinde

Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday said the Cabinet has unanimously agreed to his ministry’s proposal of granting defence forces’ ex-servicemen status to retired personnel of Central armed police forces, including Central Industrial Security Force.

Shinde, who was the chief guest at foundation stone laying ceremony of CISF campus in Mahipalpur, said he moved the proposal in the meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 77-member council of ministers held on Thursday.

Apart from the CISF, the new status would be for retired personnel of Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal.
“I took the proposal to the Cabinet to extend ex-servicemen status to retired Central armed police force personnel. It was unanimously agreed and orders are expected to be issued soon,” Shinde said.

With the status of ex-servicemen, the retired personnel will be able to avail certain canteen and hospital facilities run by the government. They will also be able to apply for jobs in the private sector who recognise ex-servicemen as trained and suitable talent for their organisations.

The Home Minister also praised the CISF for its key role in securing critical and sensitive installations of the country against terror outfits that pose a threat to national security. The CISF have acquired over 15 acres of land for construction of administrative and training block, barracks for 880 men and 440 women, quarter guard block, officer’s mess, dog kennel, and a 10-bed hospital.

After completion of the administrative building, the offices of CISF Airport Sector and IG North Sector will also get a permanent office building. Efforts are being made to acquire seven acres of land at Maidangarhi for construction of residential quarters for personnel of GBS Unit.

DDA has in-principle agreed to provide the land,” said Rajiv, CISF director general. First phase of construction is expected to be completed by November, 2013. The government was aware of the pressing needs of Central armed police forces personnel, Shinde added.

“All efforts would be made by ministry of home affairs to get other projects approved regarding construction of residential, non-residential and other facilities for force personnel,” he said.