Security guards to be categorised as skilled workers

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has decided to categorize security guards as “skilled” workers and armed security guards and security supervisors as “highly skilled”.

This will entitle  them to receive a minimum wage of Rs 15,000 per month and Rs 25,000 per month, respectively. The country has currently 50 lakh workers who are engaged in security service.

Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya disclosed it on Wednesday while addressing the annual Private Security Industry Conclave organised by the Ficci.

The minister also said that the Centre will not only bring enhanced wages to over 50 lakh security personnel currently engaged in the private security space, but will provide social security cover to over 2.5 crore of their family members.

“The decision will also enable private security agencies to recruit, train and employ quality workforce for the sector, which has been an indispensable demand of all stakeholders alike — security agencies, corporations and the public,” he said.

Rituraj Sinha, co-chair, Ficci Committee on Private Security Industry and owner of a big security agency, demanded an advisory to the state governments about the decision.
 He is heading the largest security service company of the country. The company was established by his father, now a BJP MP from Bihar, R K Sinha.