Odisha govt sanctions 2 OISF Battalions; recruitment for 1,944 posts soon

In a significant push to bolster industrial security infrastructure, the Odisha government has approved the creation of two new battalions under the Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF).

The newly sanctioned 3rd and 4th battalions will collectively add 1,944 posts, as per a notification issued by the Home Department on July 22.

In the combat and supervisory wing alone, 1,350 constable posts (Level-5) have been created, making it the largest category. Other sanctioned posts include 2 commandants (Level-14), 6 deputy commandants (Level-13), 14 assistant commandants (Level-12), 24 inspectors (Level-10), 54 sub-inspectors (Level-9), 126 assistant sub-inspectors (Level-8), 1,350 Constables (Level-6) and 256 havildars (Level-7).

Vacancies Listings:

According to government data reviewed by this publication, the sanctioned roles across both battalions include:

•  2 Commandants

• 6 Deputy Commandants

• 14 Assistant Commandants

• 24 Inspectors

• 54 Sub-Inspectors (Armed)

• 126 Assistant Sub-Inspectors

• 256 Havildars

• 1,350 Constables

In addition to combat and supervisory staff, 72 ministerial and 98 technical posts, such as clerks, communication inspectors, and armourers, have been created.

Furthermore, 68 support roles (like cooks, sweepers, barbers, and dhobis) will be filled on an outsourcing basis, bringing the total sanctioned strength to 1,944.

All ranks will be governed by the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017, and entitled to service benefits on par with regular police personnel.

Basic services to be outsourced under approved guidelines

In line with government outsourcing policy, support services such as cooks, sweepers, barbers, and washermen (dhobis) will be hired through authorised service provider agencies. As per the manpower distribution, each battalion will have 27 cooks, 15 sweepers, 6 barbers, and 6 dhobis, bringing the combined total for both battalions to 136 outsourced personnel.

Their remuneration will follow the GA & PG Department’s Resolution No. 7982/GAD dated 07-03-2024, and the corresponding guidelines issued on 12-03-2024.

No additional burden on the state exchequer, cost to be recovered from borrowing agencies

To ensure fiscal prudence, the government has mandated that all expenditures, including salaries, vehicle hiring, and allowances, will be borne by the borrowing organisations that requisition OISF deployment. This includes public sector industries, infrastructure agencies, and other eligible institutions. The arrangement mirrors existing practices followed for central forces like the CISF.

For additional information, interested candidates can visit the official website of the Odisha Home Department at home.odisha.gov.in