State Government to Open 4 New OISF Battalions for Industrial Security; 10,000 Police Forces Required, 5000 Police Force will be Recruited in First Phase

Six Companies Request Enhanced Security

Six major companies in Odisha have formally requested the state government to provide additional security for their operations. They estimate the need for around 10,000 police personnel to ensure safety. Currently, the Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF), which provides security to private and public sector companies, has only one battalion consisting of 1,390 personnel. This existing force is fully deployed across various companies, including Hirakud Dam and MCL.

Decision to Establish Four New Battalions

To meet the increasing demand, the Odisha Police has decided to create four new OISF battalions immediately. These additional forces will help address the growing security needs of industrial and public sector companies, enhancing law and order and preventing criminal activities.

Current Setup and Operations

The single OISF battalion, headquartered in Khordha, comprises approximately 1,390 personnel, including 200 officers. This force, trained by the Odisha government in the style of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), is considered highly skilled. Companies pay for their services, covering salaries and allowances like TA and DA.

Due to the battalion’s limited strength, companies such as Hirakud Dam and MCL have already utilized all available personnel. Consequently, the Odisha Police plans to recruit and deploy about 5,000 personnel for the first phase of four new battalions.

Deployment in Industrial Areas

The first four battalions will be stationed in industrially active regions like Angul, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. These locations were chosen because companies operating there have directly requested security support from the state government.

Future Expansion Plans

In the second phase, Odisha Police plans to recruit an additional 6,000 personnel to form more battalions. This will further strengthen the state’s capacity to provide dedicated security to growing industries.

Existing Resources and Challenges

Currently, the Odisha Police has a total of 22 battalions, with most of them engaged in anti-Naxal operations. Despite these challenges, the government is taking steps to balance industrial security and other law enforcement priorities.

By increasing the number of OISF battalions, the Odisha government aims to support industries while maintaining law and order, fostering a secure environment for business growth.