May 12, 2005, is a landmark in the history of private security industry in India. The burgeoning but bizarre growth in this industry warranted regulation so that the service providers develop and reach for professionalism and the users get the due return for the money spent for "buying" security. Yet, the Bill on Regulation of Private Security Agencies, introduced in Rajya Sabha on May 11 and finally passed in the Lok Sabha on May 12, without much of debate, especially because the opposition was in "boycott mode" then, does not seem to meet the aspirations of the industry and has evoked mixed reaction from, and even apprehension in the minds of, the actual service providers. Be it noted carefully that this industry now is too big and plays a very significant, even if complementary, role in the protection of both national security and economy. It should, therefore, be in the fitness of things that all that could be done should be done to help this industry develop and grow professionally. The Bill, now awaiting Presidential ascent, will have to be duly adopted in the State Legislative Assemblies. It will be desirable if suitable correctives could be brought in at that stage to sort out the rough edges and "irritants" in what appears to be a well-intentioned but not properly executed (read "drafted") piece of legislation. The Rules to be taken up under the Bill will also have to be very carefully drafted.
IISSM learns that senior security practitioners are now engaged in the job. IISSM offers its services to them and wishes them all the best. Security industry has to be professionalized - the sole objective of the IISSM.
Best Regards
D. C. Nath, IPS (Retd.)
Former Special Director, IB (MHA), Govt. of India
Editor-cum-Executive President & CEO
International Institute of Security and Safety Management
New Delhi, India
