Worldwide, the security scenario has undergone a sea change in the last two decades or so. India has seen the highest number of terrorist attacks outside the war zone of Iraq. But, the assassination of two prime ministers in succession, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, has given the political class in India an “excuse” to hog all the protection it can get -- at state expense.

For politicians of all hues, whether their life is under any threat or not, having ferocious gun-totting guards around them has become a “status symbol.” Providing security for the prime minister, the chief ministers or those facing visible threats to their lives and limbs, is understandable.

But why should, for instance, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad’s sons attending a new year’s party be guarded by the PSOs of Delhi police and the Railway Protection Force? Why should the family members of some former prime ministers, who may not even be recognised publicly, be given security?

A lot of “correct answers” could be elicited if this question is honestly responded to by those who decide on VIP security. Who gets the privileged  tag of being described a VIP in this country?  Anybody with a definite political clout or a political leader as father, mother, brother, husband, uncle etc can  be a VIP. And if he claims   to “feel threatened” a couple of armed guards are readily available  at government’s expenses (read tax payer’s money).
A siren-blaring escort car, heavily built and polished SUVs and a couple of gun-wielding commandos thrown in around really make a “heady power statement”, giving a big ego boost to  “the rulers of Indian democracy.”  It is estimated that almost a half of  Delhi police, in one way or the other, is involved in the duties related to VIP security leaving the city with a gigantic population of around 1.37 crore almost high and dry -- literally!

There are umpteen examples, some of them completely inexplicable, where even small time professionals by way of  their “net working”  and “servicing at right places”  have earned the privilege of having a round-the-clock security from the Delhi police.  Even some of the scribes with nothing much to write home about have successfully fished in security paraphernalia.

In the bargain, multiple forces are now engaged in providing security to VIPs and VVIPs at the expense of their original given task. As an example, the National Security Guards (NSG), an elite commondo unit, originally raised as a specialised force to take up counter-terrorism, is now being used to guard politicians. Similarly, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which is, as the name suggests, supposed to be devoted to secure public sector undertakings, is being regularly used for the security of VIPs and VVIPs across the country.

The divide between the rulers and the ruled is thus fast increasing with every second politician desparate to cover himself\ herself with state-provided security. It even prompted the judiciary to wryly tell the politicos that they were “not national assets” and should remain in the confines of their homes or offices if they feel so threatened by citizens.

The VVIP security which is provided for the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister , former prime ministers and foreign dignitaries, is  handled by Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos and paramilitary forces. Besides, there are around 30 “threatened  VVIPs”, (categorised as Z+) mostly politicians, whose “inner security” is looked after by the NSG.

At present, there are around 400 VVIPs who are provided security under various categories (Z+, Z, Y) by five paramilitary forces, including Indo-Tibetan Border Force, BSF and reserve police of respective states.

Categorisation of security is made on various parameters including threat-perception and inputs from security agencies — Z+ (comprising 30 personnel), Z (26) and Y (18).

VIP policing

The ubiquitous VIP or VVIP security has unmistakably eaten into the policing requirements for the common man in India where already only one constable is available to a population of 1,000 in comparison to a minimum of  two to five in the developed countries with much lesser security compulsions and population density. The VIP security has further weakened the law and order scenario. Policemen are not available to counter the incidents of mob violence, looting, rampaging, rape and  molestation which are increasingly being witnessed in the country.  

The concentration of VVIP and VIP  protectees in the National Capital has sapped the strength of Delhi police which has deployed over 10,000 to 30,000 police personnel for  providing security cover or are engaged in other logistic support.    Jawans of central paramilitary forces drawn from  the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), ITBP and the CISF are also being used to supplement the Delhi police constabulary.

According to figures available, of the 55,000 policemen available to Delhi, about 30,000 are on VIP duty or are supervising rallies, demonstrations and guarding sensitive and important public places. This leaves about 25,000 for active policing of which 5,000 are on clerical duties.  About 2,000 are traffic policemen, which reduces the force to only 18,000 for policing and law and order in the city.

Though Union Home Ministry has assured the courts time and again that only persons facing genuine terror threats would be provided with security, the government is reluctant to take a hard-nosed decision. On most occasions, political considerations have overridden the administrative rational and merit. And so, our netas and their families continue to be the nation’s prized possessions.