The Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security
Act details
| Short title | The Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the constitution and regulation of an armed force of the Union for the better protection and security of industrial undertakings owned by the Central Government, certain other industrial undertakings, employees of all such undertakings and to provide technical consultancy services to industrial establishments in the private sector and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 50 of 1968 |
| Act year | 1968 |
| Enactment date | 2 Dec 1968 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security |
| Department | Department of Internal Security |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 24 |
| Schedules | 1 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of The Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968
Purpose and Establishment
Establishment: Constitutes and regulates an armed force of the Union, named the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), primarily for:
1. Securing industrial undertakings owned by the Central Government and specified others.
2. Providing security for employees of these undertakings.
3. Offering technical consultancy services to private sector industrial establishments (as per amendments).
Key Provisions
1. Constitution and Governance
• Established by: Central Government.
• Composition: Includes various ranks for effective management and security operations.
2. Appointments and Powers
• Leadership Appointments: Made by the Central Government.
• Member Appointments: Process outlined for enrolling members.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
• Primary Duties: Security of specified undertakings.
• Additional Service: Technical consultancy to private sector establishments, with a specified fee structure.
4. Operational and Administrative Aspects
• Disciplinary Procedures: Established for maintaining discipline within the Force.
• Appeal Mechanisms: Provided for members to challenge decisions.
5. Legal and Administrative Validation
• Protection Clause: For actions taken under the Act.
• Validation of Past Actions: Under specific amended rules.
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968
● Act Title - The Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968
● Act Number / Year - 50 of 1968
● Act ID (India Code) - 196850
● Presidential Assent Date - December 2, 1968
● Enforcement Date - March 10, 1969
● Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Home Affairs
Precedent & Historical Rationale
● Protection of Public Sector Enterprises (PSUs) - Enacted during India's rapid industrial expansion under successive Five-Year Plans to establish an armed force dedicated to safeguarding government-owned industrial undertakings, vital infrastructure, and public assets from sabotage, theft, and security threats.
● Specialized Security & Command Structure - Formulated to replace fragmented state police and private watchman arrangements with a unified, disciplined, and professionally trained Central Armed Police Force operating under statutory powers of arrest and search.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
● Formulation - Introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs following recommendations from High-Powered Committees to institutionalize specialized security for Central Government industrial establishments.
● Parliamentary Passage - Debated extensively in both Houses of Parliament (Fourth Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and referred to a Joint Committee before being passed in November 1968.
● Presidential Assent - Received Presidential Assent on December 2, 1968.
● Enforcement - Enforced on March 10, 1969.
Source - Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Home Affairs.