Separate Industrial Security Force battalion sought for Kalyana Karnataka

The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority has called for the creation of a fifth battalion within the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF), headquartered in Kalaburagi, to bolster security and promote balanced development in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Currently, the KSISF operates four battalions in Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Dharwad, and Mysuru, but the Kalyana Karnataka region lacks a dedicated battalion or headquarters, despite hosting several critical installations.

These installations include Bidar Airport, Kalaburagi Airport, the High Court's Kalaburagi Bench, and several prisons. Despite over 600 posts being sanctioned for these locations, personnel shortages have prevented personnel deployment in several places due to a lack of manpower. Additionally, service-related concerns have arisen among over 400 officers and personnel working at these sites, as a proper regional/cadre has not been established for the Kalyana Karnataka area, leaving senior personnel ineligible for promotions.

Danappa, a KSPCA member, suggested transferring all existing posts from the eight critical installations to the new battalion based in Kalaburagi, with vacant positions initially unfilled and filled in phases. The existing IGP office building in Kalaburagi could serve as the battalion's commandant's office temporarily, avoiding the need for new infrastructure.

Given the region's critical installations and willingness of respective establishments to bear security costs, the creation of the fifth KSISF battalion would not impose an additional financial burden on the state government. Danappa argued that establishing a dedicated KSISF battalion in Kalaburagi would strengthen security, address regional imbalance, facilitate the implementation of Article 371J, create employment opportunities for young people, and ensure promotion opportunities based on seniority for existing personnel.