Bhubaneswar, Aug. 28: The state government today inducted 1,289 constables, including 203 women, in the Odisha Industrial Security Force.
The Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) was created on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force in 2014. This is the first time that women have been inducted into in the state police's armed force. The constables will be deployed at various industrial and other important establishments.
A police officer said the new wing would be deployed at the Odisha Mining Corporation and Indian Rare Earths Limited in Chatrapaur in Ganjam district in the first phase from September 1.
"Subsequently, they will be deployed at IIT, Bhubaneswar, Hirakud dam, RBI, Bhubaneswar, and mines of the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. The new recruits have undergone firearms training for LMG, SLR, Insas and AK-47. They will be provided with SLR and Insas rifles during their duty," said inspector general of police (special armed police) Sanjeeb Panda.
Sources said agencies hiring the OISF would have to bear the cost of security. "Most of the central public sector undertakings have already signed MoUs with the state government to rope in OISF as it takes several years to rope in the CISF. With the first batch of OISF ready, organisations concerned will get the service at the earliest possible," said a police officer.
The new recruits have also undergone basic police training, armed police training and field exposure of 45 days in the industries, which are being protected by the CISF.
"The state government created the OISF to provide an integrated safety and security cover to the industrial undertakings and establishments. It will play a vital role in promoting peaceful industrial atmosphere in the state. This is the first time that women have been inducted into the armed police wing in the state. OISF will be deployed in different industrial establishments," said chief minister Naveen Patnaik during the passing out parade of the first batch of recruits at the Seventh Battalion ground here.
The OISF will function under the Special Armed Police. Sources said the Odisha Industrial Security Force Act, 2012, empowers OISF personnel to search and arrest trouble makers without warrants while serving at industrial establishments. "However, they have to take the accused to the nearest police station for subsequent legal formalities," said a senior police officer.
