Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113051220100.htm

Back Allow us to be better equipped: Private agencies

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Nov. 29 The private security industry has called for amendments to the Private Security Act 2005 to add teeth to its operations, in the face of Mumbai’s terror attacks. It also recommends that Indian companies step up their security budgets and deploy solutions beyond the conventional metal detection.

According to Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) Chairman, Mr Kunwar Vikram Singh, “Indian companies are not very security-minded unlike companies in the West which have high security devices installed in their premises. Companies here spend less than two per cent of their total turnover on security”.

Noting that the private security agencies need to have compatible ammunition and protective gear to combat trained terrorists, he said the Private Security Act 2005 does not even allow private security guards to carry sophisticated weapons.

“We have asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to amend the Act to allow private security agencies to be given licence for mercenary services,” he said, adding currently private security is only a preventive force doing a ‘watch and ward’ job. “Every time there is a blast, the demand for security spurts by 10-15 per cent. We are asking companies to go for Executive Protection and Premise Protection,” Mr Sanchit Kumar, Director, Globe Detective Agency said.