The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has introduced a range of welfare initiatives to improve the well-being of its personnel and their families. The initiatives encompass accessible low-interest loans with flexible repayment plans, expanded scholarship opportunities for dependents, enhanced support for medical needs, increased benefits for retirees, and funding for unit-level programs. These measures are designed to benefit 1.6 lakh force members. The online welfare portal will become operational on Monday, September 1st. Over 100 crores will be allocated for loans, scholarships, and other welfare provisions.
Key components of the welfare package include: personal loans of up to Rs 5 lakhs with interest rates reduced to 3%, extended repayment terms up to 5 years, reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses, expansion of the DG Scholarship program to all dependents with scores above 80%, increased scholarships for children of martyrs without limitations, and providing Rs 1.25 lakh to retirees from their Risk-Saving payments. The loan application process will be streamlined with an online portal, facilitating direct applications, rapid processing within 15 days, and direct credit of funds. More than 100 Crores will be drawn from the Welfare Fund for funding the welfare activities.
The objective of these changes is to speed up services, reduce financial strain, and reach a larger number of personnel. The measures also include the reduction of interest rates on personal loans to 3% across all categories and 2% for medical treatment loans. The loan ceiling for home loans, marriage, etc. has increased to Rs 5 lakhs, with an extended repayment period. Out-of-pocket expenses on medical bills under the Ayushman CAPF and CGHS schemes will be fully reimbursed. Personnel will now be entitled to financial aid during Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL) on medical grounds. The DG Scholarship Scheme is now extended to a far wider range of CISF dependents. CISF dependents scoring over 80% marks will be eligible for scholarship of Rs 20,000 and those above 90% marks will get Rs 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 increased, with no cap on the number of beneficiaries.