Major Welfare schemes initiated by CISF to benefit its1.6 Lakh staff

Chandigarh /New Delhi: In a major move to promote the welfare of its personnel and their families, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a series of initiatives to give easy low interest loans to its members with extended repayment periods, increased scholarships opportunities for the wards, improved support for medical treatments, higher benefits for retirees, provision of funds for unit level programs, etc.

Apart from  cash benefits   easy loan schemes  for the benefit of  Members, retirees  have been  intiated.  The interest rates on personal loans, which was earlier up to 6%, has now been halved to 3% flat across all categories, while medical treatment loans will carry just 2% interest. The ceiling on loan amount in cases like home loans, Marriage, etc has been increased to ₹05 lakhs from earlier ₹03 lakhs, while the repayment period has significantly been increased from earlier 03 years to now 05 years.

      Out-of-Pocket expenses on unpaid medical bills under schemes like Ayushman CAPF and CGHS, to be fully reimbursed through central welfare fund. Earlier it was capped at 10% of bill and limited up to maximum of ₹50,000. Financial aid will now be provided even during Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL) on medical grounds.

Perhaps the most far-reaching reform has been in the DG Scholarship Scheme. It has been now extended to benefit a far larger pool of wards of CISF personnel (studying in 10+2). Earlier only 150 students with more than 90 % marks were provided scholarship. Now all CISF wards who score more than 80 % marks will be eligible for scholarship of ₹20,000 and those above 90% markes will get ₹25,000. There will be No cap on the number of beneficiaries. Scholarship amount for Wards of Martyrs from class 01 to PG has also been enhanced from earlier ₹6,000 – ₹18,000 to ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 without any cap on the number of beneficiaries.

Retiring personnel will now get Rs 1.25 lakhs lump-sum as Risk Savings benefits. Earlier they used to get only about ₹75,000 to ₹80,000 lump-sum. Ex-gratia funeral expenses have also been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000.

For Unit level expenses, the refreshment rates have been enhanced. On occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and CISF Raising Day, Sainik Sammelans and the Farewell of Retiring personnel, refreshments will now be provided at the rate of ₹50 per head to all personnel present in the unit. Special diet allowance for participants of the CISF Raising Day Parade and Republic Day Parade has been increased from ₹60 to ₹100 per day.

From September 1, 2025, CISF will launch a dedicated Online Welfare Portal to provide faster, transparent and easily accessible welfare services. Force members will be able to directly apply for loans, scholarship, medical reimbursement, etc through this portal. This portal will replace the existing manual system for processing financial welfare requests. A custom-built software developed by CISF Hqrs will manage the Contributory Welfare Fund, ensuring electronic clearance and direct transfer of payments to the applicant’s account within 15 days of online application. Priority for loans will be assigned systematically, with medical treatment at the top, followed by marriage, education, housing, and other needs.

Under digital reforms. Pension processing has already been shifted online, enabling Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) to be issued on the date of retirement and most dues settled immediately. In addition, the E-Service Book has been launched, allowing personnel to view their records online, correct errors, and ensure their service details are updated timely—helping them secure all benefits they are entitled to without delay.

Senior officers of CISF Hqrs have hailed these initiatives as “a decisive step to safeguard the welfare of personnel and their families.” By reducing financial burden, expanding scholarships, enhancing medical cover, and digitizing processes, the CISF has set a new benchmark in welfare governance among paramilitary forces.

Details of the initiatives are as under:  

1. Loans for personal Needs raised to ₹5 lakhs.

2.  Interest rate slashed to 03 % from earlier 06 %.

3.   Repayment period extended from 3 years to 5 years

4.   Out-of-Pocket expenses on unpaid medical expenses to be reimbursed.

5.   All CISF wards scoring over 80% marks now eligible for DG Scholarship. Scholarships for Wards of Martyrs    increased. No cap on the number of beneficiaries

6.   Retirees will now get ₹1.25 Lakh out of Risk-Saving payments.

7.   All these have been done through better internal fund management thereby causing no additional financial burden on the personnel.

8.   The manual loan system will be replaced with an Online Portal, where personnel can apply directly.                     It has been assured, the  Applications will be processed within 15 days, and the loan amount will be credited directly to their accounts.