Parliament Security Breach: MHA Seeks Names for Joint Secy (Security) LS Secretariat; May Appoint DG CRPF Soon – News18

Following the major security breach in Parliament last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has initiated the process of filling up of the post of Joint Secretary (Security) in the Lok Sabha Secretariat on deputation basis. The post is vacant for one-and-a-half months. The JS (Security) heads all security of Parliament.

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It is expected that government will also soon fill up the post of DG Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as the force is also responsible for Parliament security. Currently, Anish Dayal, DG ITBP is holding charge of DG CRPF.

A letter has been sent to all states and UTs asking them to send names at the level of IG rank officials for the post.

“I am directed to refer to the subject mentioned above and to say that the Lok Sabha Secretariat is in the process for filling up of post of Joint Secretary (Security) in Level 14 in the Pay Matrix in Lok Sabha Secretariat to be filled up on deputation basis amongst officers of Indian Police Service empaneled to hold IG level posts at the Centre,” MHA official said in the letter.

“The State Governments are, therefore, requested to send nominations of eligible and willing IPS officers to this Ministry latest by 20.12.2023. While forwarding the nominations, the vigilance status may also be intimated,” MHA said.

On December 13, two men – Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D – barged into the Lok Sabha and released yellow smoke from canisters, raising concerns over security. Meanwhile, two others – Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi – released coloured smoke from canisters while shouting “Tanashahi Nahi Chalegi” outside the Parliament premises.

THE SECURITY APPARATUS

At the epicenter of Parliament’s security is the Joint Secretary (Security), a figure entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing operations involving Parliament Security Services, Delhi Police, Parliament Duty Group, and various allied security agencies.

The security system is as a multi-layered defense, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and traditional security measures. Tyre killers and road blockers are strategically placed, and a Security Power Fence adorns the perimeter, creating a threat to intruders. A join command and control centre is established for better coordination.

On the other side, Security Officer/Assistant Director (Security) will ensure proper checking of passes of persons moving inside Parliament House building and raise cases of misuse, if any, to the Deputy Director (Security). The area in-charge ensures that all specific norms and regulation of their area of responsibility are properly implemented without any dilution and the staff is briefed properly. All Supervisory Officers take frequent rounds of their respective area of responsibility to intercept any person moving around in a suspicious manner.

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Within this secured realm, the issuance of Gallery Passes is a process meticulously governed by controlled protocols. Only Members of Parliament can apply, and the methods include paper applications or the Digital Sansad Website. Each pass is assigned a unique ID, and stringent measures are in place during sessions to prevent laborers from obtaining passes.