CISF Orders Full-Body Scanners at 9 Airports; 9 Units for Parliament House

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued directives to airport operators at Jammu, Srinagar, and Ayodhya to procure and install certified full-body scanners as part of enhanced security protocols. Additionally, the government has approved installation of 9 full-body scanner units at Parliament House premises—a significant security infrastructure upgrade.

Secure infrastructure context: (1) Full-body scanners use millimeter-wave or backscatter technology to detect prohibited items (weapons, explosives, contraband) without physical contact; (2) These scanners are distinct from metal detectors and thermal imaging, providing three-dimensional threat detection; (3) CISF's directive follows multi-year airport security modernization initiated post-2020 security audit recommendations; (4) Parliament House installation reflects heightened security post-various incidents and crowd management concerns.

Key specifications: (1) Scanners must be internationally certified (ISO 13849, CE marked, or equivalent); (2) Procurement likely through Government e-Marketplace (GeM); (3) Integration with existing AIRA (Airport Integrated Response Architecture) and Parliament House security systems required; (4) Training for CISF personnel on operation, maintenance, and false-positive management.

Why it matters for India: (1) Enhances aviation security at sensitive locations (Kashmir, Ayodhya) where terror threats remain elevated; (2) Strengthens Parliament House security post-26/11 lessons learned and recent security incidents; (3) Technology demonstrates India's investment in smart, non-invasive security infrastructure; (4) May serve as model for tier-2 city airport security upgrades.

Exam angle: Internal security, institutional protection. UPSC Mains GS-III: Airport security protocols, Parliament House security, counter-terror infrastructure. Expected questions on public safety technology, threat assessment frameworks.