New Delhi: India's new home minister P Chidambaram leads from the front and by example. The man in charge of India's internal security has decided to put the nation before self and has categorically denied enhancement of security cover to Z-category.
He currently has Y-category security, which was provided when he was the union finance minister. After he took over as the home minister, the Intelligence Bureau and other security agencies did a fresh security and threat assessment for the minister, as is the routine.
His predecessor, Shivraj Patil had a Z-Plus security cover. There are around 400 VIPs in Delhi and around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel out of its strength of 60,000 are on VIP security duty.
After politely saying no to Z-security for himself, Chidambaram has changed the rules for other politicians and VIPs as well.
With immediate effect, all VIPs with Y-security will have one personnel less in the armed escort.
Previously, Y-category cover included 24/7 security, a head constable and 4 constables posted at the house.
While Z security spells a pilot and an escort vehicle for the protected person, and an additional team of four PSOs and a house guard.
A notch higher, the Z plus security is determined on the basis of threat perception to the protected person. SPG protection is also an option.
These changes are trickling down to other states as well, In Haryana, out of the 400 policemen engaged in protecting VIPs 150 have diverted and will instead be trained as commandoes in service of the state.
Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab government to furnish information about the numbers of policemen engaged in protecting politicians.
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