Private Security Sector’s gift for the girl child

Aug. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- The private security sector, one of the fastest growing in India, has announced a special programme for the girl child of the security personnel. This is the first of its kind welfare programme announced by any organized sector for the benefit of the girl child, thereby contributing to society.

The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), the apex body of all private security agencies in the country, has come up with a plan under which the girl child (whose parents are private security personnel) will be eligible for a financial assistance of up to Rs 1.3 lakh from schooling till marriage. This will considerably reduce the burden of the security personnel.

The welfare programme details were revealed by Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman, Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) at the first ever nationwide ‘Private Security Day’ celebrations held in Bangalore till late evening on Sunday, organized by the Karnataka Security Services Association (KSSA). The CAPSI will mobilize funds internal for this unique initiative.

In an effort to make private security jobs lucrative for the unemployed, the CAPSI has proposed to the Centre to introduce compulsory training in various aspects of security at the high school and college levels for students.

“The private security sector is growing at a phenomenal rate of 30 per cent to 40 per cent annually. But there is severe shortage of resources, as not many come forward to take up this job. The demand for private security has multiplied several times since 24/11. We met Union Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal and requested him to introduce tailor-made security-related courses in schools and colleges (9th standard to 11th standard). Hopefully, our request will be taken positively,” said Singh.

The private security sector has mooted various programmes for the welfare of the security personnel. It has urged the Centre to extend a housing loan facility of Rs 5 lakh to each of the security personnel to be repaid over 20-year tenure. “This will go a long way in ensuring the social security of the personnel. This will also make the sector an attractive job destination,” he added.

The CAPSI will shortly introduce a National Security Code, which has to be followed by all agencies with strict adherence.The standards include common policies relating to security; professional training for the security personnel; industry best practices; common uniform and allied activities.

At present, the UN is evolving the international code for the private security sector. After reviewing the code and taking into consideration the requirements of the Indian scenario, the national standards for the security sector in the country will be set.

“The United Nations has invited CAPSI to take part in a conference on evolving global standards for the private security sector. The CAPSI will replicate the same standards for the Indian private security industry,” Singh added.

Singh further said the CAPSI delegation had met President Prathibha Patel and requested her to accept the guard of honour from the private security sector on the country’s Republic Day.

J R Bangera, president, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI), exhorted the private security agencies to undergo a transformation from security service provider to private security solutions provider.

“These days, each institution has its own security concerns and needs. Therefore, agencies should offer complete tailor-made solutions to such clients. This transformational shift will also help the security sector to tap the market effectively,” he added.

Bangera further said the private security sector should have a certification programme under which the agencies can be graded. “This will enable the clients to select their choice of private security service depending on the grading. This grading scheme will also streamline the private security sector,” he asserted.

“There is Armed Forces Day in India in recognition of the contributions made by the security personnel to the nation. Similarly, there is the National Fire Services Day. But the private security sector, which is one of the largest employers in the nation and the fastest growing, has no particular day dedicated in honour of the security personnel. Therefore, we decided to declare August 21 as the Private Security Day,” said Flt Lt K P Nagesh, President, KSSA.

The IT capital of the nation played host to the first ever ‘Private Security Day’ of the nation in honour of the contributions made by the private security sector.

The Private Security Day featured both indoor and outdoor events. The celebrations began with a colourful procession of about 1,200 security personnel representing various agencies from across the state.

Housing Minister V Somanna flagged off the rally from the Town Hall junction. ‘Private Security Day’ will be annual affair from the next year onwards. The objective of the ‘Private Security Day’ is to recognize the services of the private security personnel and to create awareness about them among the public.

There are more than 5 lakh security personnel in Karnataka, employed by approximately 200+ officially recognized private agencies. Real estate, banking, hospitality, education, infrastructure, retail and housing ventures are some of the sectors that employ private security personnel in large numbers.


ABOUT PRIVATE SECURITY SECTOR

•   In an attempt to recognize the efforts and services of the unheralded private security personnel, August 21, 2011, is declared as the ‘Private Security Day’.
•   Karnataka Security Services Association (KSSA), a professional body, has come up with the idea of ‘Private Security Day’, for the first time in the history of the nation. Private Security Day to be celebrated every year from 2011 on August 21.
•   KSSA started 22 years ago in 1989
•   Security sector growth rate – 30 % to 40%
•   7 million security personnel in India
•   5 lakh in Karnataka, 200+ agencies
•   Largest remitter of service tax to the nation
•   Private security sector regulated by the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) act 2005
•   Private security personnel employed by all – Real Estate, Retail, Banking, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Education & Hospitality
•   Attrition rate is one of the highest
•   Since 26/11, the demand for private security has gone up considerably
•   Benefits to guards: ESI, PF, Bonus, Gratuity, leave only disadvantage is temporary employees, least preferred profession.
•   Now security personnel no more performing ‘watch and ward’ duty; but getting trained in disaster management and other peace time activities with the police

For more information, please contact:
Flt Lt KP Nagesh (Retd), President, KSSA
M: 9844020663
E: kpnagesh@vsnl.com
www.kssa.in