Govt to amend rules for VVIP security

Plans to provide cover to those who cannot afford to pay for it but have the same level of threat

Considering the mounting costs for security cover provided to very-very important persons (VVIPs), the Maharashtra government now plans to amend rules for providing security to delinking their economic status to that of the intensity of threat perception.

So far, the Maharashtra government has a poor track record for recovering the dues from VVIPs for the security provided to them. Now the state government is considering revising the norms for providing security to them. Speaking to select media, senior Home department official said that there are many VVIPs who cannot afford to pay for the security provided to them, but the threat to their lives is real.

The officer said, “Out of the two lakh odd police force, the deployment of security personnel for security of VVIPs is very miniscule. As per 2014 and 2011 data about 812 police officers and security personnel were on security duty for 80 to 84 VVIPs in the state. Some of the 84 odd VVIPs had only 52 security personnel only on guard duty.

The officer added that there are guidelines laid down for recovery of dues from the VVIPs for the security provided them. He added that the government cannot simply withdraw the security cover provided just because of unpaid dues. In 2011 the government had slashed the security cover to VVIPs by 40 percent.

After every three months, the committee in the Home Department will assess the threat level to the VVIPs and accordingly enhances or lowers the security cover