PANAJI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has announced major reforms benefiting over 1.6 lakh personnel and their families. The force launched an online welfare portal on September 1 to provide faster, transparent and hassle-free access to services.
The reforms, shaped after consultations during Sainik Sammelans, include low-interest loans, enhanced scholarships, better medical support, higher retirement benefits and revised allowances.
Over Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for welfare schemes, with 80% of the funds directed towards personnel welfare. Under the new structure, personal loans will carry 3% interest instead of 6%, while medical loans will be available at 2%. The loan ceiling for housing, marriage and education has been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, with repayment periods extended from three to five years.
Medical bills not covered under Ayushman CAPF or CGHS will now be fully reimbursed, replacing the earlier 10% cap, and financial aid will be available during Extraordinary Leave on medical grounds.
Scholarships have also seen a major expansion. The DG Scholarship Scheme, previously limited to 150 students scoring above 90%, will now cover all CISF wards securing over 80%. Students scoring above 80% will receive Rs 20,000, while those with over 90% will get Rs 25,000. Wards of martyrs from Class 1 to postgraduate level will now receive between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000, up from the earlier Rs 6,000“Rs 18,000, with no cap on beneficiaries.
Retiring personnel will be given Rs 1.25 lakh as Risk Savings benefits, compared to the earlier Rs 75,000“Rs 80,000, and ex-gratia funeral assistance has been raised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000. Unit-level allowances have also been revised, with refreshment rates for occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day, and CISF Raising Day raised to Rs 50 per head, and parade diet allowance increased from Rs 60 to Rs 100 per day.
The newly launched online portal replaces the manual system of applications, allowing personnel to directly apply for loans, scholarships and medical reimbursements. A custom-built software manages the contributory welfare fund, ensuring direct transfers within 15 days, with priority given to medical loans.
The CISF has also digitised pension settlements, ensuring Pension Payment Orders are issued on the day of retirement, and introduced an E-Service Book for personnel to update their service details online.
