The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will provide security at the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) new office in New Delhi, with personnel set to be deployed to protect the premises and sensitive areas handling examination-related work, officials said on Sunday.
The deployment of the central force has been finalised and is expected to be completed within the next two to three months. The move comes as security arrangements at the testing agency are being strengthened following heightened scrutiny over the conduct of major entrance examinations and the handling of confidential material.
CISF to take charge
The NTA’s new permanent office near Minto Road is currently being guarded by 38 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Once the transition is completed, the CISF will assume responsibility for securing the premises.
The security arrangement is expected to place particular emphasis on areas where confidential examination-related material and other sensitive information are handled. Access control and protection of the premises will also form part of the force’s responsibilities.
The CISF functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and is tasked with protecting several critical government establishments, infrastructure facilities and other important institutions across the country.
Security being strengthened
The move to provide CISF security to the NTA comes against the backdrop of increased attention on the functioning of the testing agency following controversies surrounding national-level examinations. Concerns over the security of examination processes and confidential material have led to calls for stronger safeguards.
The NTA conducts several major entrance and eligibility examinations across the country. Given the scale of these examinations and the sensitive nature of question papers, candidate information and other confidential material, security at the agency’s facilities remains a key concern.
Deployment of the CISF at the new office is expected to provide a more structured security mechanism, including regulated entry and exit and protection of restricted areas within the premises.
CISF expands deployment
The development comes days after the CISF took over security at three Enforcement Directorate (ED) establishments in Mumbai. A contingent of 45 personnel, with 15 deployed at each location, has been assigned to provide round-the-clock security.
The three establishments are the ED Western Region and Mumbai Zonal Office-II at Ceejay House in Worli, and Mumbai Zonal Office-I at Nirman Bhavan in Mazgaon.
With the addition of the three Mumbai establishments, the CISF is now providing security support to 20 ED offices across the country. Personnel deployed at these establishments have been tasked with maintaining access control, protecting the premises and responding to security requirements.
Transition in coming months
At the NTA office, the CRPF personnel currently guarding the premises will continue with the security arrangement until the CISF formally assumes responsibility. The transition is expected to take place after the necessary deployment and administrative procedures are completed.
Once deployed, CISF personnel will provide security at the agency’s permanent office and oversee access to sensitive sections of the building. The arrangement is aimed at providing dedicated protection to an institution responsible for conducting some of the country’s largest examinations.