TNN & Agencies | Updated: Dec 23, 2017, 07:23 IST
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The identities of over 116 crore Indians have got an additional layer of protection, with an armed squad of 80 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandos taking over the security of the highly sensitive Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) data centre near Kodigehalli, north Bengaluru.
The centre is the repository of Aadhaar data and the security beef-up is to ensure its protection against any possible terror strike or threat.
Though CISF has been guarding the facility since December 2014 as part of a temporary measure, the Centre has now regularized its deployment and granted it the status of a full unit under protection. The data centre in Bengaluru is located in a building resistant to blasts, floods and earthquakes.
Guarding confidential data
CISF spokesperson and assistant inspector general (AIG) Hemendra Singh said the squad took over the task of guarding the UIDAI facility as a regular unit recently. "Security of this data centre is of utmost importance as the establishment is very sensitive, and confidential biometric and personal information of the residents of India are stored and maintained here," he said.
The home ministry had, some time ago, cleared the proposal to have a regular force deployment here and had sanctioned a 162-member CISF squad to guard the centre.
Quick-reaction teams at vantage points
While the task has now been taken over by a 80-member team led by an officer of the rank of deputy commandant, the rest of the strength will join the workforce soon, Singh said.
The CISF will provide round-the-clock armed security cover to the facility and special vehicle-borne quick-reaction teams of commandos will be stationed at vantage points to take charge in case of an attack or sabotage-like activity.
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Singh said the paramilitary force will also soon take over the security of the UIDAI centre in Manesar, Gurugram.
Apart from the UIDAI data centre, CISF also guards the Infosys premises in Electronics City, which is the first industrial setup to get such a cover. CISF men also guard installations like Kempegowda International Airport, Isro and BHEL. Bengaluru is the hub of major electronic and IT firms and is always under threat from anti-national elements, Singh pointed out.