DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECURITY COVERS IN INDIA

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Context

The Union Home Ministry has extended Z+ security cover to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Details

• India employs a multi-tiered security cover system to ensure the protection of high-risk individuals based on threat perceptions.

Special Protection Group (SPG)

• Description: SPG is an elite force with classified details, exclusively provided to the Prime Minister of India.
• Significance: It ensures the highest level of security for the country's top leadership, and the details are kept confidential for enhanced protection.

Z+ Category

• Composition: 55 personnel, including 10+ National Security Guard (NSG) commandos and police personnel.
• Features: High-level security cover, typically including bulletproof vehicles and advanced security measures.

Z Category

• Composition: 22 personnel, including 4-6 NSG commandos and police personnel.
• Details: Offers substantial security with a focus on protection from potential threats.

Y+ Category

• Composition: 11 personnel, including 2-4 commandos and police personnel.
• Attributes: A step below Z+, providing a significant security detail for individuals with notable threat perceptions.

Y Category

• Composition: 8 personnel, including 1 or 2 commandos and police personnel.
• Characteristics: A moderate security cover ensuring protection based on assessed threat levels.

X Category

• Composition: 2 personnel, armed police personnel with no commandos.
• Details: Basic security cover with a minimal number of personnel.

Implementing Agencies and Protocols

• SPG: Classified force dedicated to the Prime Minister's security, operating under stringent protocols.
• Z+ and Z Categories: NSG commandos play a crucial role, armed with advanced weaponry and trained in martial arts and combat skills.
• Y+ to X Categories: Security provided by Delhi Police, ITBP, or CRPF personnel, with varying levels of personnel and convoy support.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Excessive Deployment: Often, the actual number of deployed personnel exceeds the officially allocated figures.
• Resource Allocation: VIP security diverts police resources, leading to understaffed police stations and reduced public service.
• Controversies: Criticized for being a potential misuse of taxpayer money, especially when extended to individuals not necessarily warranting high-security covers.

Security Failures and Controversies

• Assassination of Indira Gandhi: Highlighting the vulnerability within the security detail of high-profile individuals.
• Pramod Mahajan's Assassination: A case where a Z-level protectee was shot dead despite security cover.
• Controversies in VIP Categorization: Instances where bureaucrats were moved down to lower categories while politicians retained high-security covers.

Conclusion

While the security cover system in India is designed to mitigate threats to high-risk individuals, challenges and controversies persist. Balancing the need for security with efficient police resource utilization is crucial, necessitating periodic reviews and adjustments in the security protocols.