TYPES OF SECURITY COVERS IN INDIA

Source: IndianExpress

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Context

The Indian government has strengthened the security cover for Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), by adding an "Advance Security Liaison" (ASL) layer to his existing Z+ security cover.

Details

Advance Security Liaison (ASL) Protocol

• The ASL is an additional security layer that involves detailed planning and coordination among various agencies.
• It includes:
  • • A specialized security team visits locations ahead of the protectee's arrival to assess and rectify any potential vulnerabilities.
    • The ASL protocol requires collaboration with district administration, local police, health departments, and other agencies to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
    • Under the ASL guidelines, the protectee must travel in specially designed vehicles or aircraft to prevent any sabotage attempts.
    • Anti-sabotage inspections and multi-layered security rings are also mandatory during travel.
• Currently, only a few individuals, including Home Minister Amit Shah, are under Z+ security with the ASL enhancement.

Security categories

Special Protection Group (SPG)

• The SPG provides the highest level of security, specifically for the Prime Minister of India.
• It was established following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and is governed by the SPG Act of 1988.
• The SPG provides comprehensive security, including armed guards, bulletproof vehicles, jammers, and advanced communication systems.
• The force is equipped to operate in both domestic and international environments.
• In 2019, the government amended the SPG Act to limit SPG protection only to the serving Prime Minister and his/her immediate family staying with them at the official residence​.

Z+ Security

• This is the highest level of security after SPG, provided to individuals who face serious threats, such as top political leaders, high-profile public figures, and industrialists.
• Z+ security detail includes 55 personnel, typically involving over 10 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos and police personnel.
• The security detail also includes bulletproof vehicles, pilot vehicles, and specialized communication equipment.
• Protectees under Z+ security include prominent figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani.

Z Security

• Z-level security is accorded to people in high danger, but not very high, hence do not require the vast protection extended by Z+ security.
• The security detail consists of 22 personnel including 4 to 6 commandos from NSG and police, with at least one bulletproof vehicle.
• The Z category also extends escort vehicles. The category is used for high-profile politicians and celebrities regularly, some of whom have specific threats.

Y+ Security

• Y+ security is availed to the person who has a threat which is moderate. The level of security accorded to him is relatively lower when compared to Z.
• Y+ security has 11 personnel, including 2 to 4 commandos and police officers. The number of vehicles in the convoy can be 2 to 3.
• The personal security officer accompanying them provides close protection during public functions and travel.

Y Security

• The targets fall under this category who have threat perception from low to moderate level.
• Generally, Y security comprises 8 personnel, 1 to 2 commandos, and extra police personnel.
• Y-level security typically includes 1 to 2 vehicles and is granted to those whose work in the public domain requires at least a basic level of protection.

X Security

• X-level security is intended for persons with minor threats but whose life needs some form of protection.
• It consists of 2 armed police officers without commandos.
• X security will typically have very little security, with PSOs assigned for general security tasks.

Other details

• The decision to provide security cover is made by a committee comprising officials from the Intelligence Bureau, the Home Ministry, and state governments.
• The "Blue Book" details security protocols for the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister, while the "Yellow Book" provides guidelines for the security of other VIPs and VVIPs.
• The President of India is protected by the President's Bodyguard, the most senior and oldest unit of the Indian Armed Forces. The PBG serves both ceremonial and combat roles, being highly trained in paratrooping and other military skills.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Which of the following statements is NOT true about the Special Protection Group? a)SPG was formed after the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. b)The SPG Act of 1988 had originally provided security only to the then-serving Prime Minister of India. c)SPG presently provides protection to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate families. d)SPG staff can be deputed from all wings of the Indian Armed Forces including Navy.   Answer: c) Explanation: a is correct. SPG came into existence after the death of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. Reasoning behind having a special security group for the PM may be related to her being killed by one of her own security people. That shows there were huge loopholes in the VIP protection system b is correct. SPG protection under the 1988 SPG Act accorded initially, was provided only to the sitting Prime Minister. This was in direct response to the assassination of Indira Gandhi, with the sole purpose of protecting the current head of the nation​. c is incorrect. In 2019, the government amended the SPG Act to limit SPG protection only to the serving Prime Minister and his/her immediate family staying with them at the official residence​.  d is correct. SPG personnel are seconded from various branches of the Indian Armed Forces and other paramilitary forces. They are carefully selected for their expertise and undergo rigorous training in unarmed combat, marksmanship, and counter-terrorism strategies​.