CISF gets best airport security award from World Quality Congress

[Chanakyaa]

NEW DELHI: The security provided by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Delhi airport has been awarded the 'best airport security' by the World Quality Congress (WQC).

It is the first time that a central paramilitary force has been recognized by WQC for its standards and professionalism in providing security. Around 56 million passengers use IGI airport every year. The independent body usually awards private sector companies for their standards in providing quality service.

The award will be given to the CISF at WQC's annual event in Mumbai on July 6.

The achievement comes barely three months after Airport Council International's airport service quality (ASQ) rating found that security at Delhi airport was better than Heathrow, Dallas, Los Angeles, Dubai and Paris airports.

When contacted, CISF director general O P Singh told TOI, "CISF has continuously excelled and evolved in providing security as a service and our men posted at the airports have demonstrated leadership qualities while dealing with thousands of passengers every day, taking care of threats and partnering with different stakeholders."

Singh said ending the stamping of hand baggages of domestic travellers at Delhi and other airports, reducing wait time during checks, use of modern technology at every corner of the airport and courteous behaviour were part of CISF's excellence. "It's a proud moment for us," he added.

Another senior CISF official said those deployed for security of the airport were often so busy that they didn't get time for food or water and it was because of their commitment that Delhi airport had not witnessed any untoward incident.

Security at airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are considered to be sensitive due to regular bombing and hijacking threats from Islamic terror outfits like al-Qaida, Islamic State, Lashkar-e-Taiba etc, apart from fears of smuggling of drugs and banned items.

The central force secures 59 airports in India and keeps introducing new modules to keep its personnel and commandos abreast of changing modus operandi of terrorists who target such installations. Issues related to adherence to standard operating procedures vis-a-vis airport entry and exit by passengers and official staff, and further easing of security procedures for differently-abled flyers are also regularly reviewed by CISF.