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Special Protection Group / SPG – Security of VIPs in India


This article talks about security of VIPs in India. It discusses in detail about Special Protection Group (SPG), its origin, role of its security personnel and why it is in news. It also mentions about other covers of security of VIPs in India.

Introduction

Origin of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Why in News?

Role of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Composition of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Strength of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Other Covers of Security of VIPs in India

Conclusion


Introduction

Special Protection Group (SPG) is the top most cover of security of VIPs in India. It provides security to Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate family members. The security personnel of Special Protection Group (SPG) are highly trained and professional. They cannot afford to fail even once as they provide security to the top most VVIPs of India.
Special-Protection-Group

Origin of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Special Protection Group (SPG) was found in 1985 as a result of recommendation of “Birbalnath Committee”. The need of creating a specialized force for the protection of Prime Minister arose due to murder of former Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi by her bodyguard in 1984. The incident was reviewed by committee of secretaries. This resulted in realization of the fact that security of PM cannot be left to police only. Initially, special protection force came in to existence as a result of power of executive order. Later in 1988, SPG act was enacted by the Parliament and Special Protection Force was turned in to Special Protection Group. SPG was organized on the line of security cover protecting President of USA.




Why in News?

In 2019, SPG security cover has been withdrawn from former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Such decisions are taken on the basis of inputs given by security agencies of Cabinet secretariat and Home Ministry. The threat assessment review process lasts for three months. This is a regular, periodic, administrative exercise.
SPG-Security-Cover

The security cover of SPG was given to Gandhi family after brutal murder of former PM Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. After 28 years, this is taken back based on low threat levels to Gandhi family. However, they will be protected under Z+ security cover. Generally, SPG cover is given during office period of Prime Minister and for only one year after stepping down from PM position. 

Role of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Special Protection Group (SPG) provides nearest security to their protectees in their work place, residences, and local programs, national and international visits. The security personnel of SPG (Special Protection Group) protects exclusively PM, former PMs and their immediate family members based on the level of threats being faced by them. They give three layers of security of VIPs in India which are outer cordon, isolation cordon and inner cordon. The key idea of security is to avoid contact of any unknown person or armed person with the VIP.

At present, SPG (Special Protection Group) is providing security to only Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. From driver of Prime Minister to his personal body guard, all belong to SPG (Special Protection Group).

SPG (Special Protection Group) is an elite force which follows its own unique set of security protocols. SPG personnel inspect the destination of its protectee 24 hrs before his/her visit. They sanitize the entire area and make recommendations for the necessary changes at the venue based on threat perception for their neutralization. If there is any disagreement of SPG with other security agencies, SPG (Special Protection Group) supersedes and its decision is final.

Composition of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Current numeric strength of SPG (Special Protection Group) security personnel is 3000.  This force does not have its own recruitment. Rather the security personnel in SPG come on deputation. They are selected from Indian armed forces, Para military forces, central armed police forces. SPG include snipers, spotters, bomb disposal experts etc. Before their selection, their entire background is dug out with all necessary personal information. The commandos are taken from NSG (National Security Guard). After giving specialized training, NSG commandos are included in SPG. The security personnel of Special Protection Group work in coordination with other security agencies like Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Central and State police forces.

Strength of Special Protection Group (SPG)

Special Protection Group is given specialized training which is similar to America’s secret service agents. Those from NSG are already well trained in martial arts and unarmed combat skills. NSG commandos are known as “Black Cats”. The modern innovative security methods and weapons, communication gadgets, vehicles and other smart devices add strength to their potential. They are well equipped with ultra modern assault rifles, dark visor goggles, communication ear pieces, bulletproof vests and vehicles. They carry FN F2000 assault rifle which is fully automatic gun and Glock 17 which is a modern pistol.  

Other Covers of Security of VIPs in India

There are four other covers of security of VIPs in India. These are categorized as Z+ security, Z, Y and X security from advance to basic level. Z+ Security is the second highest security cover provided for security to VIPs in India.

Security-of-VIPs-in-India

Eligible Protectees under various security covers include Central Ministers, Chief Ministers, Film stars, sportspersons, and any other civilian. The applicant for security has to apply for security cover with valid reason of threat. Only after threat evaluation, security is approved.

Conclusion

Special Protection Group is a highly trained professional security provider to the Prime Minister of India. Its role is critical for the security of PM. The advanced equipment and the unarmed combat skills of SPG commandos make them most essential for security of VIPs in India.


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