Parliament okays SPG Amendment Bill

Replying to the discussion in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister L K Advani said the internal security scenario had deteriorated considerably during the last 30 years causing too much constraint on the security agencies.

He said money consideration would not be allowed to come in the way of providing security to the VIPs if the threat justified it.

Advani, however, said it should not be used to enhance anybody’s status as was being reported in some cases now.

The Bill which was primarily necessitated following expiry of term of SPG cover to the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi replaces an ordinance promulgated on November 18.

Advani said the Government had made an appraisal of threat preception to Sonia Gandhi before issuing the ordinance. He said the security agencies had reported that there was grave threat to her and she needed SPG cover.

Referring to members’ suggestion that Government should create an equivalent force if it intended to withdraw elite National Security Guards from providing security to VIPs, Advani said it was difficult to provide blanket cover to everyone.

The Home Minister said if NSG cover was to be withdrawn from VIPs, it would be first taken off from his own security.

He agreed that the security should be unobtrusive and unconspicuous otherwise it would defeat the very purpose it was provided for.

The Home Minister also disfavoured providing accommodation to VIPs on the grounds of security. Unless there is a blanket decision in the matter, it would be difficult to fairly deal with the security of political activists.

Responding to Shiv Sena member Mohan Rawale’s query about the downgrading of security of Bal Thackeray by the Maharashtra Government, Advani said the state government had informed him that it would continue to provide him the same security as was available to him at present.