The security arrangements of the Parliament came into limelight during the Parliament march of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). As soon as the protesters moved from Jantar Mantar towards Rail Bhawan, all the security personnel deployed for the security of Parliament came on high alert. The main gates of the Parliament were hurriedly closed. The Quick Response Team (QRT) responsible for security also became active immediately and the soldiers took up their positions. The video of this entire incident is becoming increasingly viral on social media.
The security of Parliament has now become more modern and stronger than before. Especially after the 2001 Parliament attack, major changes were made in the security system. Now Parliament security is not limited to just armed personnel, but also includes high-tech surveillance systems, biometric entry, CCTV networks, explosive detection equipment, fire units and Quick Response Team (QRT). Security is further tightened during the Parliament session.
Big things related to the security of Parliament-
- About 3,300 CISF soldiers are deployed for the security of the Parliament complex.
- Quick Response Team (QRT) takes immediate action in any emergency.
- Fire brigade and disaster relief teams are also present in the Parliament complex all the time.
- Security is increased manifold during Parliament sessions and large demonstrations.
3300 security personnel are deployed
During any major demonstration in or around Jantar Mantar, additional forces are deployed to prevent any situation. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) under the Union Home Ministry holds the main responsibility for the security of the Parliament complex. About 3,300 security personnel are deployed in different shifts, including commandos, firefighters, disaster relief teams and special response teams. In such a situation, let us know how strong is the security system of Parliament and which agencies play an important role in it.
Who is deployed in security? (Getty Image)
CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar
CJP’s demonstration is going on at Jantar Mantar and the protesters are also trying to conduct ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. In view of this, security around the Parliament House has been tightened more than before. Barricades have been installed at various places and central security agencies are also deployed along with additional police forces. After these incidents, questions are arising in the minds of people that who guards the Parliament, how many soldiers are deployed there and what kind of preparations are there to deal with any emergency.
Who is responsible for the security of Parliament?
The Parliament Security Service (PSS) of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat handles the important responsibility of security of the Parliament House complex. The Director (Security) and Special Director (Security) of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat monitor the security arrangements of the Rajya Sabha area. At the same time, the Joint Secretary (Security) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat is responsible for the coordination and operation of the entire security system of the Parliament complex.
Parliament’s in-house security agency
Under his leadership, Parliament Security Service, Delhi Police, Parliament Duty Group (PDG) and other security agencies together ensure the security of Parliament. The Parliament Security Service is the Parliament’s own in-house security agency.
Its main job is to protect the MPs, VIP-VVIPs, all the buildings of the Parliament House and the people present in the premises. Also, this agency is also responsible for checking, identifying and controlling the entry of every person, vehicle and luggage coming to the Parliament complex.
For this, modern security equipment and strict access control systems are used, so that only authorized people and vehicles can enter the premises. About 3,300 soldiers have been deployed to handle the security of Parliament. Apart from the general security personnel, these also include trained commandos, bomb disposal squad, dog squad and technical surveillance team.
Training given inside the Parliament (In-House)
In 2021, 256 training slots were organized for Parliament security personnel. In this, they were given many types of important training, such as-
- How to deal with stress (Stress Management)
- What to do during fire, earthquake and other disasters (Disaster Management)
- Training to increase working capacity and professional skills
- Online training of Indian and foreign languages
- Information about MPs and functioning of Parliament
- Role of marshals in case of uproar or special circumstances in the House
- First Aid training
- Apart from this, Physical Conditioning Program (PCP) was also organized to increase the fitness and physical capacity of the security personnel.
Training with external agencies
Parliament security personnel also completed 55 training slots with external security agencies, these included-
- Field training related to security arrangements and operations in NSG (Manesar).
- Initial security training at CISF’s National Industrial Security Academy (Hyderabad).
- Leadership development training at North Eastern Police Academy (Meghalaya).
- Training in identification and safe handling of bombs and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
In 2021, Parliament security personnel completed 311 training slots, so that everyone can deal effectively with any normal or emergency situation.
Strict security at Parliament (Getty Image)
What is Quick Response Team (QRT)?
Quick Response Team or QRT is one of the most important security units of the Parliament. Its job is to reach the spot without wasting time in any emergency and control the situation. Whether there is information about finding a suspicious object, an attempt to breach security or an alert is issued due to some technical reason, QRT is activated within a few minutes. Its soldiers are equipped with special weapons and modern communication equipment.
Fire brigade and disaster relief teams also remain deployed
Not only security forces, but also fire brigade and disaster response team are present in the Parliament complex all the time. In case of fire, natural disaster or any accident, these teams are the first to take action. Recently, after the boom barrier collapsed due to strong winds, the security and technical team immediately brought the situation back to normal.
Which agencies are involved in Parliament security?
- Parliament Security Service
- Delhi Police
- Parliament Duty Group (PDG)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- National Security Guard (NSG)
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Quick Response Team (QR)
- Special Protection Group (SPG)
Why is security increased during Parliament session?
When Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs and many senior officials are present in the Parliament House. Therefore security agencies remain extra alert. If at the same time there is a demonstration of any big organization in Jantar Mantar or nearby, then surveillance is also increased on the roads leading to Parliament. If needed, additional police force and barricading is also done.
What changed after the 2001 attacks?
After the terrorist attack on Parliament on 13 December 2001, major changes were made in the security arrangements. The rules for entry into the Parliament complex were tightened, high-resolution CCTVs were installed, multi-layer security system was implemented and checking of every vehicle and person was started in several stages. With time, face recognition, X-ray scanner and other modern technologies were also added to it.
Balance between performance and security
Jantar Mantar is the designated protest site of Delhi, where various organizations hold protests for their demands. But when the Parliament session is going on and there are announcements like Parliament March, then the security agencies have to balance between the democratic right to protest and the security of the Parliament. For this reason, the security cordon around the Parliament is further strengthened.
Leave a Reply