Daily Current Affairs

Syllabus Relevance: GS-III (Internal Security; Security challenges and their management in border areas) 1. Key Development The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plans to bring nearly 1,200 fishing harbours and fish landing sites under the security oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This follows the prior designation of the CISF as the security regulator for over 250 seaports in the country. 2. Core Strategy & The CISF's Role Security Regulator: Physical deployment at all sites is not possible; CISF will instead design the security template and guide local administrations in managing protocols. Regulating Movement: Introducing a biometric attendance system and smart ID cards for fisherfolk. Uniform Architecture: The government intends to deploy this "sovereign entity" framework at private cargo-handling seaports as well. 3. Current Administrative Setup Total Hubs: There are 1,547 notified fish landing centres and fishing harbours across 13 coastal States and UTs. Dual Governance: States: Responsible for post-construction management, maintenance, and operation of harbours under their control. Center: Harbours under Central control are managed by Port Trusts (under the Ministry of Fisheries). Multiple Security Agencies: Deployment stretches from local police on land/shore, to the Indian Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy further out at sea. 4. Identified Gaps & Reforms Envisaged The Gap: The involvement of multiple agencies has resulted in the absence of a uniform security template. Bureau of Port Security: The MHA is planning the constitution of this dedicated body for the security of vessels and port facilities, modeled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Background Guidelines: This follows the seaport security guidelines issued by the Home Ministry in 2023 after deliberations at the National Security Strategy Conference.