Former SPG Officials Will Be Deployed For PM’s External Security

Former SPG officials will be deployed for the PM’s external security cordon, facilitating coordination.

Changes are being made in the arrangement of the external security cordon of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the state visit.

Now the responsibility of the external security cordon will rest with the police officer who worked with the Special Protection Group (SPG) and has played a role in protecting the Prime Minister.

This change has been made to deal with situations like loss of synergy and not understanding the needs of SPG.

According to sources, the directive issued in this regard states that police officers with experience of working with SPG should be prepared for security during the PM’s visit to the states.

During the visit, the SPG is solely responsible for the security around the Prime Minister, while the PM’s external security ring rests with the concerned state.

It should have former SPG and other trained personnel. The instructions also said that SPG should have a one-month training course for police officers going on deputation.

They should receive this training just before they are sent back to the parent unit. Such officers should reach their parent unit and train others.

Arun Kumar Sinha working as SPG chief

Arun Kumar Sinha, a 1987 batch IPS officer of Kerala cadre, has been working as the SPG chief since March 2016. In December 2019, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet extended Sinha’s term till July 30, 2021.

Last year, the Central Government also amended the SPG Act, 1988. Under this, only the Prime Minister will get an SPG protection cover.

Former Prime Ministers will get SPG protection till five years after leaving the post. Family members living with former Prime Ministers at their residence will also get SPG protection cover for this period only.