Bhubaneswar: Govt has decided to create of two additional Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) battalions to strengthen security for industrial establishments across the state. The decision follows the BJP govt’s increased focus on developing port-based industries in Paradip, Dhamara, Astaranga and Gopalpur, leading to new industrial clusters. The expansion, adding to the existing two battalions, will require the recruitment of 1,944 personnel. This move aims to enhance security infrastructure alongside industrial growth in the state, officials said.Each new battalion will have 675 constables, 128 havildars, 63 assistant sub-inspectors, 27 sub-inspectors and 12 inspectors. They will have one commander and three deputy and four assistant commanders each, besides clerical and other support staff. “These two battalions will be known as the third and fourth battalions,” a notification from the home department read.It further stated that the expenditure on account of hiring cost of vehicles shall be charged from borrowing organisations. For both the battalions, armourer staff, communication and stenographers will be included. “The newly created posts will be filled up in a transparent manner following recruitment rules and provisions of the Odisha Reservation of Vacancies (ORV) Act,” the notification read.Paradip port, one of India’s major ports on the east coast, which handled 145.38 million metric tonnes of cargo last fiscal, has immense potential for growth, and security could be a huge challenge. With three operational deep-draught ports — Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur — and ambitious expansion plans, the govt is leveraging its 480 km coastline to integrate industrial growth with urban development.Odisha has more than 50 steel plants now producing 33 million tonnes annually, making it the leading steel-producing state in the country. Odisha produces more than 50% of the country’s annual aluminium output of 4.1 million tonnes. “Industrial security is an emerging challenge now, and the state can’t afford to earn a bad name by lagging behind in terms of robust and modern security,” said a senior police officer.
