CISF to exit Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by November 17

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to completely withdraw its deployment from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, with the Union Home Ministry having approved the full disengagement by November 17. Before the pullout is completed, the force has been directed to first recover pending payments owed to it by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the plant's operator.

The development comes amid concerns raised by employees, who contend that the decision stems from the financial distress facing the steel maker rather than any reduction in its security requirements. The plant, a major public-sector undertaking on the eastern coast, has been grappling with liquidity pressures in recent times.

The CISF's presence at the facility has been a longstanding arrangement, providing trained security cover to the strategic industrial asset. The move to disengage the force entirely marks a significant shift in the plant's security architecture, with implications for both the workforce and the company's operational finances.

While the Home Ministry's clearance paves the way for the withdrawal, the directive to settle outstanding dues first indicates that financial reconciliation remains a priority. The exact timeline for the recovery process and the subsequent handover of security responsibilities has not been detailed.

For the employees, the development is seen as another symptom of the company's deepening financial troubles, which have already led to delayed salaries and reduced operations. The withdrawal of central paramilitary cover is likely to add to the challenges faced by the plant as it navigates its current crisis.