Parliament Security

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Context:

• CISF takes over Parliament security from Delhi Police.

Details:

• Delhi police personnel were deployed for the security of the Parliament complex following a security breach on December 13, 2023.
• A security breach happened when a few people entered Parliament Hall and threw smoke canisters on December 13 last year.
• After conducting a detailed survey, a preliminary probe by a committee headed by CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh found security lapses during the entry of visitors at the entry point.
• After this security breach, CISF personnel were called for parliament security.

Rules for Parliament Visitors:

Rule 386 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha governs the "admission, withdrawal, and removal" of visitors during the sittings of the House.

• Rule 387: The Speaker holds the power, as per Rule 387, to expel visitors if necessary.
• Rule 387A: a Secretariat officer can remove or detain any misbehaving visitors
• Members can only request visitor cards for people they personally know, with a statement taking full responsibility for them.
• Visitors are mandated to carry photo identification along with the certification.
• Similar rules are in force for visitor entry into the Rajya Sabha.

Steps for Enhanced Security Measures:

• Embracing Technological Advancements:
  • Implementation of Backscatter Scanners: Employed globally in airports, these scanners detect materials like plastic.
  • Adoption of Millimeter Wave Scanners: Utilized in the US and Europe, these devices provide whole-body imaging to uncover concealed items.
• Continuous Technological Monitoring and Upgrades:
  • Regular monitoring and integration of latest technology are essential for ongoing improvement in security measures.
• Strengthened Oversight:
  • The Secretary, Security, overseeing the Special Protection Group (SPG) should also supervise Parliament security.
• Establishment of a Monitoring Committee:
  • Formation of a bipartisan committee comprising MPs from different parties to regularly assess security arrangements, incorporating internal and external security experts.
• Optimization of Visitor Pass Procedures:
  • Despite MPs' assurances regarding visitors, conducting comprehensive background checks within a short timeframe is challenging.
  • There's a need to streamline the process of issuing visitor passes, considering the constraints of time and resources.

About CISF:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/cisf

Protocol to enter parliament:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/rules-for-parliamentary-visitors

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cisf-takes-over-parliament-security-from-delhi-police-9300072/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q)"In the aftermath of the security breach in Parliament on December 13, 2023, discuss the implications and propose measures for bolstering security, including technological integration, oversight mechanisms, and visitor pass procedures.(250 words)