24 Feb :Over 600 National Security Guards (NSG) commandos are deployed for protection of VIPs in the country; the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal in a written reply to Lok Sabha said 638 personnel of the elite National Security Guards are engaged in the protection of 20 VIPs.
Explaining the criteria followed to provide NSG cover to an individual, he said, "NSG protection is provided in consultation with Central Security Agencies to certain highly threatened protectees who face serious threat from militants, terrorists, extremists groups among others requiring professionally trained manpower to deal with such threats."
He ruled out any proposal to raise separate security agency for providing security cover to VIPs and other officials presently.Meanwhile, in reply to a separate question, Jasiwal said a total of 1,108 posts are currently vacant in the NSG which includes 123 Officers and 438 Assistant Commanders.
"This includes 1,081 posts which were created only on January 22, 2009. The NSG is 100 per cent deputationist force and relies on Army, Central Police Forces and other organisations, who have been requested to sponsor sufficient number of officers and personnel to NSG to fill up vacancies," he said.
Govt to induct 8 copters to deal with emergency situation
The Centre has said it proposes to induct eight ‘Dhruv’ Advanced Light Helicopters for various requirements of the forces including quick mobilisation to deal with emergency situations.
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said "a letter of Intent (LOI) has been placed on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Bangalore on December 8 last year for procurement of eight numbers of Advanced Light Helicopters for various requirements of the forces, including quick mobilisation to deal with emergency situations."
