The role of ports in India’s foreign trade is very big. About 95 percent of the foreign trade takes place through sea routes and ports, hence an important decision has been taken by the Central Government to ensure the security of the ports. In this regard, a statutory body ‘Port Security Bureau’ will be formed. Through this body, information related to ports and their security will be obtained from time to time. It will be analyzed based on the information. Also, trade and security will be ensured more seriously from here. Information about this has been given by the officials.
According to the official statement, a meeting was called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also participated in the discussion related to the formation of this body dedicated to the security of ports. Home Minister Amit Shah stressed the need for a strong port security framework in the country. He has directed that security measures should be implemented in a systematic and risk-based manner.
Will be created on the lines of Civil Aviation Security Bureau
It was said in the meeting that the Port Security Bureau structure will be created on the lines of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). In such a situation, it will have a Director General. This bureau will work within the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This bureau will be responsible for the work related to the rules and monitoring of the safety of ships and port facilities.
Emphasis will be on cyber security
It will be headed by an IPS officer. Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGM) will hold the responsibility of Director General of BOPS for one year. Port Security Bureau will analyze information related to security in a timely manner. With this, increased and decreased risks can be assessed. Its data and statistics will be collected. It will focus specifically on cyber security.
There will also be a dedicated department that will protect the port IT infrastructure from digital threats. The government has appointed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as a Recognized Security Organization (RSO). Will be responsible for security assessment and preparation of security plans for port facilities.
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