Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has been granted Y+ security cover by the CRPF, following the row over her comments on Mumbai and the Maharashtra government. What is a security cover, why is it provided, and who takes a call on providing it to VIPs?
What is security cover?
You must have seen security personnel guarding VIPs wherever they go. They keep a close watch on the VIPs to ensure their safety against potential risks. The Central security cover is provided to an individual holding an important position in the government or in civil society. So, the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the SC and HC judges automatically get security cover from the government because of their position. A large number of individuals, believed to be facing a threat to their lives, are also provided security by the State police.
Who decides the level of security needed?
The Ministry of Home Affairs takes the decision on the level of security needed based on inputs from intelligence agencies, which include the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing. The list of personalities to receive specialised security cover is decided following a thorough review of the threat perception to an individual at a given time. VIP security has always been under scrutiny as it involves precious manpower.
What are the different categories of security cover provided?
There are six categories of security cover: SPG, Z+, Z, Y+, Y, and X. The SPG security is the country’s highest grade of protection and it is dedicated to protecting the Prime Minister. The SPG (Special Protection Group) is a highly trained unit equipped with some of the most modern weapons, gadgets and vehicles.
The other categories of security are accorded to anyone, depending on the Centre’s assessment of the perceived threat to them. The number of personnel guarding them varies from category to category. The Z+ is considered the second highest level of security cover, while the X category provides the basic level of protection.
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What are agencies entrusted with providing security?
With the Government withdrawing NSG commandos, originally meant for counter-terror duties, from VIP protection duties earlier this year, central paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (TBP) and the Central Industrial Security Force(CISF), along with the State police, have been entrusted with the task of providing VIP security to the X, Y, Z categories. Different forces may be engaged for residence and mobile security of a VIP. The cover is reviewed periodically.