Big brother is watching you and he isn’t pleased with the way security is being compromised in Government buildings especially after the Parliament attack in 2001.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has therefore issued a stern warning to all ministries and departments to strictly follow new procedures on allowing visitors inside their offices. In a circular floated this week, the MHA has pointed out that a large number of visitors were often seen moving at will ‘‘which is a security risk’’ and wants them to ensure proper regulation of visitors’ entry. ‘‘Unchecked movement is creating a lot of nervousness about the intent of a visitor, especially in the wake of the December 13 attack on Parliament,’’ say MHA sources.They say the MHA considered starting an escort service for visitors on the lines of the Prime Minister’s Office but gave up after realising that the numbers were too high. ‘‘In view of a large number of visitors everyday, it was felt that it is practically difficult to adopt this method as a large number of escorts would be needed for this purpose,’’ MHA says in the circular.Additionally, the duration of a visitor’s stay being uncertain the escort’s presence outside the officers’ room would lead to overcrowding at the reception where others would be waiting in queue.Therefore, to keep a tab, the MHA has instructed that time must be recorded while issuing the entry pass so that the visited officer can satisfy himself about the time taken by his guest in reaching him. Any deviation from the usual travel time would be a pointer to the officer whether the visitor was straying elsewhere or what, says the MHA.For the return journey, the officer will have to endorse the visit by entering his signature and time of his visitor’s departure. Depute his office assistant to escort the visitor outside the building while handing the entry pass to the reception office that issued it.So next time you enter a government office, remember to make a dash as you are being clocked.
