Geeta Samota, a Sub-Inspector in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), became first officer in CISF history to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak (8,848.86 meters). She also became fastest Indian woman to do so in just 6 months and 27 days of
Key Highlights:
- Name: Geeta Samota
- Designation: Sub-Inspector, CISF
- Achievement: First-ever CISF personnel to summit Mount Everest
- Duration: Climbed Everest in 6 months 27 days – making her the fastest Indian woman to do so
- Posted At: CISF Unit, Udaipur Airport
- Native Place: Chak village, Sikar district, Rajasthan
- Background: Started her career as a hockey player in college
Mountaineering Feats:
Early Achievements 2019: First woman from any Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to climb:
- Mount Satopanth (7,075 m), Uttarakhand
- Mount Lobuche (6,119 m), Nepal
“Seven Summits” Challenge:
- An elite global mountaineering challenge to scale the highest peaks in all seven continents.
- Geeta’s progress so far:
- Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m) – Australia
- Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) – Russia
- Mount Aconcagua (6,961 m) – Argentina
- Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) – Tanzania
- Mount Everest (8,848 m) – Asia
- Remaining:
- North America (Denali)
- Antarctica (Mount Vinson)
Significance of Achievement:
- Empowers women officers in paramilitary forces.
- Boosts morale and highlights the physical endurance and capability of CAPF personnel.
- Sets the stage for more gender-inclusive adventure and leadership roles in security forces.
- Enhances CISF’s image as a multi-skilled and dynamic force.
CISF’s Future Plans:
- Inspired by her feat, CISF plans to send its first full mountaineering team to Mount Everest in 2026.
About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):
- Type: Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)
- Founded: 10 March 1969 (initial strength: 2,800)
- Armed Force status: Acquired on 15 June 1983
- Current Strength: Over 1.88 lakh personnel
- Under: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Security Coverage: 359 establishments across India
Organizational Structure:
- Headed by an IPS officer of Director-General rank
- Divided into 7 sectors:
- Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training
- Also includes a Fire Service Wing
Key Functions and Responsibilities:
1. Protection of Critical Infrastructure:
- Airports (since 2000 after IC-814 hijacking)
- Nuclear installations
- Space establishments
- Power plants
- Seaports
2. Protection of Important Buildings and Transport Systems:
- Parliament House Complex
- Delhi Metro
- Central Jails (J&K)
- Iconic Monuments (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort)
3. Special Units:
- VIP Security Vertical
- Fire Protection Wing – CISF is the largest fire protection force in India
4. Post-2008 Role Expansion:
- After the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, CISF began offering:
- Security cover to private corporate entities
- Security consultancy services (in high demand)
5. Public Interface:
Daily interaction with public in:
- Airports
- Delhi Metro
- Tourist monuments