Pvt sector to pay same as PSUs for CISF cover

The government has decided to charge the private sector the same rates that are applicable to public sector units (PSU) for providing CISF cover.    

The security apparatus of the paramilitary force would be made available on a cost-reimbursement basis with private entities bearing the burden of troops salaries, running cost of their vehicles, weapons and gadgets, official sources said.

The cost of CISF deployment in the private sector would be similar to the earlier arrangement with the government and the public sector, a top CISF official added.    

The Centre has recently agreed to provide the CISF security to Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, for which an additional two battalions (2,000 personnel) would be raised.    

The demand for providing security net to private companies was felt after the Mumbai terror attack prompting the government to enact a law to enable the private sector to avail itself of CISF cover to guard against terror attacks.    

The need for security cover to vital private installations was felt following intelligence reports that Pakistan-based terrorist groups might try to target such facilities by launching a surprise attack similar to the one in Mumbai last year.    

At least 50 corporate houses, including Reliance, Tata, Oberoi and Infosys, have approached the government after the Mumbai terror attacks seeking CISF security cover for their installations.