While the security provided by the police and other government law enforcement agencies is limited to a few people in the society, private security agencies fill this void and provide assistance to any individual or entity in need. Whether in industries, shops and establishments, banking organizations, educational institutions and other small setups like ATMs, private agencies provide security.
The guards provided by the private security agencies are trusted for the security which they assure to provide round the clock.
killed the guard
However, the brutal killing of two private security guards by two minor boys here last week has sent shock waves across the state. Both the deceased guards are above 65 years of age and were attacked while they were sleeping on duty. These incidents have also exposed many irregularities on the part of private security agencies.
The accused boys, around 18 years of age, attacked and killed Sriram Kripanidhi, a retired constable, and a Bathula Sambasiva Rao, between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on March 1. Investigation revealed that the deceased could neither resist nor blow the whistle to raise the alarm. The police say that leave alone the security of the shops, they were in no position to defend themselves.
The two accused attacked and injured three more people in the city, ransacked private shops, broke locks and tried to steal personal properties. Taking prompt action, the police took the accused into custody within 24 hours and produced them in the court along with the available evidence. The accused are now on remand.
The lack of proper security measures and vigilance by the security guards at the Government General Hospital, Vijayawada, was pointed out during the sexual assault of a woman inside the hospital premises in April last year. Soon after the attack was reported, the contract with the concerned security agency was canceled by the government.
security breach
However, the incident exposed the lapses on the part of the private security agencies. In the incident, GV Man Power, owned by Gudipalli Venkateswara Rao, hired a retired constable, who was killed while on duty guarding a two-wheeler showroom.
It has been learned that Mr. Venkateswara Rao had not obtained the license mandated under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005, popularly known as (PSARA). They told Hindu That he did not take PSARA license as the process was complicated.
As per PSARA, all private security agencies that employ men and women and provide security services to both government and private institutions must obtain a license from the Controlling Authority (Home Secretary) and comply with PSARA regulations .
According to the Private Security Agency Licensing Portal by the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are 330 private security agencies with active licenses in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 451 licenses have been issued in the state so far and 121 of them have expired. The license has to be renewed once in five years.
In most cases, senior citizens are deployed as security guards during the night as there is less work when the establishment is closed. This is often seen in ATMs that are open round the clock and require high security at night. Such guards and their properties become easy targets for thieves and anti-social elements.
“Only 10% or even less (of private security agencies in the state) have PSARA licence. Many of these agencies are not registered and do not have labor license.”B Venkata RaoAP Private Security & Man Power Association
Reflecting on this, B Venkata Rao, president of AP Private Security and Man Power Association, said, “Retired army personnel, police personnel, old people, unemployed and those who are struggling financially can join private security agencies. Joining as Guard. Even though they are not physically fit and mentally weak, still some private security agencies are hiring them. We came to know that around 100 private security agencies are doing business in Guntur district alone. Yet, the fact remains that only 10 percent or less have a PSARA license. Many of these agencies are not registered and do not have labor license, they do not pay GST, professional tax, ESI and PF.
All security guards employed by private agencies must be fit and healthy and meet the fitness standards prescribed under PSARA and the Controlling Authority must ensure that all rules are followed by the agencies from time to time.
Shri Venkata Rao revealed that most of the security agencies are deploying new recruits without providing them any kind of training. This is happening because the employees have no intention of working with the same agency for a long time and vice versa, the agencies also do not show any interest in allowing the guards to work with them for a long time. Hence, compromising on the quality of protection.
police action
“We noticed that GV Man Power did not have a license. We had written to the District Magistrate for appropriate action on this. Also, we ordered the department to verify all private security agencies and inquire about their antecedents and qualifications of their guards. The police will check all the documents of these firms,” says K Arif Hafeez, Superintendent of Police, Guntur Hindu
“There are two types of violations; One, firms having PSARA license but violating the rules and regulations governing it and two, firms doing business without license. Both these aspects will be thoroughly examined. Private agencies will have to submit details of their guards and other staff to the police department for approval,” says Mr. Arif Hafeez.
“The security agencies exploit the guards by not paying them the minimum amount prescribed by the government and also by not conducting annual health check-ups. There are many security agencies which are running without any license. They employ individuals for low wages and provide security services to companies that easily comply with PSARA regulations. While most industries and institutions follow all norms, some in the retail sector employ less qualified guards,” said a manager of a private security agency on the condition of anonymity.
PSARA also mandates a minimum of 100 hours of training for all security guards employed by agencies.
need time
According to Mr. Venkata Rao, the enforcement authorities should verify the qualifications of all private security and manpower agencies across the state in a time-bound manner. There is also a need to create awareness about the applicable laws, rules and regulations among the owners of these companies, he said.
He said that agencies need to prevent physically challenged persons from being posted as security guards during night and at sensitive places and ensure proper training of guards, supervisors and licensees as per PSARA.
Increase in salary of employees, Job security through Institutional banks, Providing ESI, PF and Salary credits, Ensuring labor license and making owners accountable for any exploitation of employees Andhra Pradesh Private Security and Manpower Some other There are demands. Organization.
article information
Major: Compulsory for all
Introduction: The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005 lists the norms for agencies to follow in order to operate legally in India.
Fitness Standards for a Security Guard as per PSARA
Age: 16-65
Height: 160 cm (Male), 150 cm (Female)
Vision: Distant vision 6/6, near vision 0.6/0.6 with or without correction
should be free from kneeling and flat feet
Must be able to run at least one kilometer in six minutes
Dexterity and strength to investigate and use force to detain people when necessary
Rules for Security Agencies
Get health checkup done once in a year
Ensure guards maintain their physical standard
Ensure that each guard displays his/her photo ID, shoulder or chest badge of the agency
Training given to security guards
behave in public
physical fitness
physical security, personnel security, property security
Fire Fighting
Crowd Control
Identification of Improvised Explosive Devices
first aid
Crisis Response and Disaster Management
Knowledge in Indian Penal Code
Identification of weapons used by individuals and police