CHENNAI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recruits 60% of its personnel from local regions while training others in regional languages to overcome language barrier at airports and other vital installations, said CISF IG S R Saravanan on Tuesday.
“For example, in the south sector, 60% of the personnel are recruited from local states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The remaining personnel, who are frequently transferred, receive basic language training to communicate effectively in the region where they are posted,” he said.
He was addressing the media to announce the 6,553km CISF Coastal Cyclothon organised to mark the 56th raising day of the paramilitary force. A total of 125 cyclists of the force, including 14 women, will begin the cyclothon from Gujarat and West Bengal simultaneously on March 7. They will cover 11 states and Union territories in 25 days.
The rally, covering 3,775 km on the western side and 2,778 km on the eastern flank, will end in Kanyakumari on March 31.
Union home minister Amit Shah will flag off the rally through videoconferencing during the CISF Day parade at its base at Thakkolam in Ranipet district.
The theme of the cycle rally is ‘Surakshit Tat, Samruddha Bharat’ (secure shores, prosperous India), said CISF DIG Arun Singh. “The cyclists will start from Lakhpat, Gujarat on the west coast and Bakkhali, West Bengal on the east coast, riding along mainland India’s entire coastline. They will pass through Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and Kochi on the west coast; Haldia, Konark, Paradeep, Vizag, Chennai and Puducherry on the east coast before finishing at the Swami Vivekananda memorial in Kanyakumari,” he added.
R Ponni, DIG, CISF, airport south zone headquarters, said that the rally is more than just cycling. “It’s a movement to spread awareness about coastal security and to fight smuggling and other illegal activities. The core part of this rally is engaging with local fishermen/ coastal communities and showcasing their unique and significant perspective to all of India. We will take part in Swachh Bharat drives, tree plantation campaigns and efforts against drug abuse and human trafficking,” she added.
Public can contact (022) 27762015 or email at adig-ws@cisf.gov.in for further information.