Daily Current Affairs Analysis

21 May 2024

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Questions arise over future of Parliamentary Security Unit

Related Topic (as per UPSC Syllabus)

The topic "Questions arise over future of Parliament security unit" is primarily relevant to General Studies Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This paper covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations. The specific areas it touches upon include:

1.    Governance and Administration:

o   Issues related to the functioning of Parliament.

o   Role of various security agencies in maintaining law and order.

2.    Constitution and Polity:

o   The autonomy of parliamentary institutions and the constitutional implications of security arrangements.

o   Procedures and precedents in parliamentary security management.

3.    Role of Civil Services in a Democracy:

o   The transition from PSS to CISF highlights the role of various services in ensuring the security and smooth functioning of democratic institutions.

 

News Analysis

Introduction

The article "Questions arise over future of Parliament security unit" by Vijaita Singh discusses the recent transition of security responsibilities in the Indian Parliament from the Parliament Security Service (PSS) to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This move has generated apprehensions regarding the future of the PSS unit, the efficiency of CISF in handling parliamentary security, and the overall impact on parliamentary functioning.

Key Points

1.    Historical Context and Evolution of PSS:

o   The PSS, formerly known as the Watch and Ward staff, was established in 1929 after the bomb attack by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt in the Central Legislative Assembly. The unit has been crucial in maintaining parliamentary security since the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.

o   The unit was renamed PSS in 2008 during P.D.T. Achary's tenure as Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha. PSS personnel are well-trained to recognize and interact with MPs, former MPs, and other parliamentary staff, ensuring smooth entry and preventing unauthorized access.

2.    Transition to CISF:

o   The CISF, a paramilitary force with limited experience in interacting with the public, particularly in high-profile environments like airports and metro stations, has taken over most parts of the Parliament's security.

o   Orders for deploying CISF in the new Parliament building are pending, but officials indicate that a PSS component will need to be retained due to CISF's unfamiliarity with recognizing MPs and former MPs.

3.    Apprehensions and Challenges:

o   Concerns have been raised about the CISF's ability to handle the unique requirements of parliamentary security, including the prevention of imposters and the facilitation of MPs' entry.

o   The transition has led to operational issues, as exemplified by incidents where MPs were repeatedly stopped and their identities checked by CISF personnel. This has caused disruptions and raised questions about the effectiveness of the new security arrangement.

4.    Impact on PSS Personnel:

o   The future of the approximately 600 PSS officials remains uncertain, with reports of forced retirements and no fresh hirings in the past decade. PSS officials have expressed concerns about their job security and the changing nature of their roles.

 

o   The MHA's directive for CISF to survey the Parliament premises for a comprehensive security plan indicates a significant shift in the security management approach, potentially sidelining the PSS.

 

Detailed Analysis

1. Historical Context and Role of PSS:

The PSS has been an integral part of parliamentary security since its inception. Its members have developed a deep understanding of parliamentary protocols and the specific security needs of MPs and other parliamentary staff. This familiarity has ensured a smooth and secure operation within the Parliament premises. The renaming of the unit in 2008 was part of an effort to modernize and adapt to new security challenges while maintaining its core responsibilities.

 

2. Transition to CISF:

The decision to transition security responsibilities to the CISF is rooted in the need for a more professional and structured security management system. The CISF's experience in securing critical infrastructures suggests an enhancement in the overall security apparatus. However, the limited experience of CISF personnel in dealing with the public, especially in a high-profile and sensitive environment like the Parliament, presents significant challenges.

 

3. Apprehensions and Operational Challenges:

The concerns about CISF's ability to effectively manage parliamentary security are not unfounded. The unique environment of the Parliament requires security personnel who can recognize MPs, facilitate their entry, and ensure their safety without causing disruptions. The reported incidents of MPs being repeatedly stopped and checked highlight the potential operational inefficiencies and the need for a better integration of CISF personnel with the parliamentary environment.

 

4. Impact on PSS Personnel and Future Implications:

The uncertainty surrounding the future of PSS personnel is a significant issue. The potential forced retirements and the lack of new hirings have led to concerns about job security and morale among PSS staff. The MHA's directive for a comprehensive security survey by the CISF indicates a shift towards a more centralized and possibly more impersonal security management approach.

 

Conclusion and Way Forward

1. Integrated Security Framework:

• A balanced approach that integrates the strengths of both PSS and CISF can create a robust security framework for the Parliament. PSS personnel’s familiarity with parliamentary norms and CISF’s professional security management capabilities can complement each other.
• Specialized training and sensitization programs for CISF personnel can bridge the gap in public interaction and parliamentary protocol knowledge.

 

2. Policy Reforms and Stakeholder Consultation:

• Inclusive decision-making involving parliamentary authorities, security experts, and stakeholders is essential for implementing effective security policies. This approach can ensure that changes are well-informed and broadly accepted.
• Clear protocols and communication channels between CISF and parliamentary staff can minimize disruptions and enhance operational efficiency.

 

3. Job Security and Transition Support for PSS Personnel:

• Providing job security and support for PSS personnel during the transition is crucial. Policies ensuring their roles are respected and their expertise utilized can prevent demotivation and unrest.
• Implementing retirement and reskilling programs for PSS personnel can help them transition to new roles within the security framework or other relevant fields, ensuring their experience is not lost

 

4. Long-Term Security Strategy:

• Regular assessments of the security framework and its effectiveness should be conducted to identify and address any gaps or inefficiencies.
• Integrating advanced security technologies and systems can enhance the overall security posture of the Parliament, ensuring it remains resilient against evolving threats.

 

The transition of parliamentary security from PSS to CISF is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful handling. By leveraging the strengths of both units, ensuring inclusive decision-making, and providing adequate support to PSS personnel, a robust and effective security framework can be established. This approach will ensure that the Parliament remains a secure and smoothly functioning institution, capable of addressing the needs of its members and the nation.

Probable Mains Question

Q. Discuss the implications of the transition of Parliament security from PSS to CISF on parliamentary functioning and security management.

Model Answer (hints):

Introduction

The transition of security responsibilities from the Parliament Security Service (PSS) to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in the Indian Parliament has raised several concerns regarding its implications on parliamentary functioning and security management. The PSS, with its deep-rooted history and familiarity with parliamentary norms, is being phased out in favor of the CISF, a paramilitary force with limited public interaction experience. This shift prompts a detailed analysis of its potential impacts on the efficacy of parliamentary operations and the overall security framework.

Demand of the Question

Historical Context and Role of PSS:

1.    Origin and Evolution:

o   The PSS, formerly known as the Watch and Ward staff, was established in 1929 following the bomb attack by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt in the Central Legislative Assembly. It has been an integral part of Parliament security since the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.

o   Renamed as PSS in 2008, the unit has evolved to adapt to changing security requirements while maintaining its primary role of facilitating the functioning of Parliament and ensuring the safety of its members.

2.    Familiarity and Expertise:

o   PSS personnel are well-trained to interact with Members of Parliament (MPs), former MPs, and other officials, recognizing and facilitating their entry into the Parliament premises.

o   Their familiarity with parliamentary protocols and procedures, along with their ability to prevent unauthorized entry, makes them uniquely suited for the specific security needs of the Parliament.

Implications of Transition to CISF:

1.    Security Management:

o   Advantages of CISF Deployment:

§  The CISF, with its extensive experience in securing critical infrastructures like airports and metro stations, brings a high level of professional security management to the Parliament.

§  The force's training in handling large-scale security operations and managing sophisticated security systems can enhance the overall security apparatus of the Parliament.

o   Challenges and Concerns:

§  The limited experience of CISF personnel in interacting with the public and recognizing MPs and former MPs poses a significant challenge. This lack of familiarity may lead to operational inefficiencies and potential breaches.

§  The apprehensions about CISF’s ability to handle the unique requirements of parliamentary security, including the prevention of imposters and ensuring seamless entry for authorized personnel, need to be addressed.

2.    Impact on Parliamentary Functioning:

o   Operational Disruptions:

§  The transition has already caused disruptions, as evidenced by incidents where MPs were stopped and their identities checked multiple times by CISF personnel. This can hamper the smooth functioning of parliamentary activities.

§  The concerns of PSS officials about their future, including reports of forced retirements and no fresh hirings in the past decade, indicate potential demotivation and unrest among the existing security staff, further complicating the transition.

o   Legitimacy and Authority:

§  The move by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deploy CISF without adequate consultation with the parliamentary authorities, including the Speaker, raises questions about the precedent it sets for the autonomy of parliamentary security management.

Way Forward

1.    Integrated Security Framework:

o   Collaborative Approach:

§  A collaborative approach involving both PSS and CISF personnel can leverage the strengths of both units. PSS personnel's familiarity with parliamentary norms combined with CISF’s professional security management can create a robust security framework.

o   Training and Sensitization:

§  CISF personnel should undergo specialized training and sensitization programs to familiarize themselves with the parliamentary environment, including protocols for interacting with MPs and recognizing authorized personnel.

2.    Policy Reforms and Consultation:

o   Inclusive Decision-Making:

§  Any changes in the security management of Parliament should involve comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including parliamentary authorities and security experts, to ensure decisions are well-informed and broadly accepted.

o   Clear Protocols and Communication:

§  Establishing clear protocols for security operations and effective communication channels between CISF and parliamentary staff can minimize disruptions and ensure smooth functioning.

3.    Future of PSS Personnel:

o   Job Security and Transition Support:

§  Providing job security and support for PSS personnel during the transition is crucial. Policies ensuring their roles are respected and their expertise utilized can prevent demotivation and unrest.

o   Retirement and Reskilling Programs:

§  Implementing retirement and reskilling programs for PSS personnel can help them transition to new roles within the security framework or other relevant fields, ensuring their experience is not lost.

4.    Long-Term Security Strategy:

o   Continuous Assessment and Adaptation:

§  Regular assessments of the security framework and its effectiveness should be conducted to identify and address any gaps or inefficiencies.

o   Technological Integration:

§  Integrating advanced security technologies and systems can enhance the overall security posture of the Parliament, ensuring it remains resilient against evolving threats.

Conclusion

The transition of Parliament security from the PSS to the CISF presents both opportunities and challenges. While the professional security management capabilities of the CISF can enhance the security framework, the unique expertise and familiarity of the PSS with parliamentary operations cannot be overlooked. A balanced approach that integrates the strengths of both units, supported by comprehensive training, policy reforms, and inclusive decision-making, can ensure a seamless transition. Addressing the concerns of PSS personnel and maintaining the autonomy of parliamentary security management are critical for sustaining the effectiveness and legitimacy of the security framework. This approach will ensure that the Parliament remains a secure and smoothly functioning institution, capable of addressing the needs of its members and the nation.

 

MCQs for Prelims Practice