What is Special Protection Group [SPG]?

The Special Protection Group is a federal agency whose mission is to immediately protect the Prime Minister of India, the former Prime Minister, and his close relatives. It derives its authority and authority from the Special Protection Group Act of 1988. Currently, only Prime Minister Narendra Modi is protected by SPG.

Importance of Special Protection Group

The Prime Minister's security is the territory of a Special Protection Group or SPG and is referred to by SPG law as a "unit." The SPG Act came into effect in 1988, and the function of the unit is subordinate to the Cabinet Secretariat. The law contains provisions to "ensure immediate security" for the Prime Minister of India and those who have previously taken office.

Important Facts about Special Protection Group

1. SPG's motto is courage, dedication and safety.
2. It was established in 1985 on the recommendation of the Birbal Nath Committee.
3. The Special Protection Group operated without law for three years from 1985 to 1988, after which the Rajiv Gandhi Government passed a law to give the agency a strict legal form.
4. SPG protects the Prime Minister and former Prime Minister, and their close relatives who live only at headquarters.
5. The Special Protection Group protects beneficiaries both in India and abroad.
6. Former Prime Minister's close relatives can choose to opt-out of the protection provided by SPG.
7. The protection provided to the former Prime Minister and her family residing in headquarters is only valid for up to five years from the date he/she resigns.
8. A police inspector or higher rank Indian police officer leads a Special Protection Group.

History of the Special Protection Group (SPG)

1. Act of 1988 - The enactment of the Special Protection Group Act of 1988
2. Before 1981 From the time of independence in 1981, the Delhi Police Special Security District was responsible for the security of the Prime Minister.
3. 1981 – 1984 The Information Agency (IB) has set up a special task force responsible for providing road escort and transport security as the Prime Minister enters and exits New Delhi. That year was 1984 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two bodyguards from the Delhi police, urging further changes in the Prime Minister's security system.
4. 1991 After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, it was considered necessary to provide SPG protection to the former Prime Minister as well.
5. The SPG Act was amended by the Parliamentary Party in 1991 to include 10 years of protection from the day the former Prime Minister and his close relatives resigned.
6. Before the protection is revoked, it will be reviewed by the Intelligence Office to assess the current security threats to those eligible for protection.
7. If desired, protection can be extended indefinitely for an additional 5 years.
8. 2019 The SPG Act was amended this year to remove the protection granted after the Prime Minister resigned by default. Instead, a new provision has been added that if the intelligence agency decides on a threat to the former Prime Minister, he or she can receive SPG protection with their immediate family for another five years.

The Latest News Regarding The Special Protection Group

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach in Punjab caused his cavalry to get stuck on an elevated track for about 20 minutes due to a blockade by a protesting peasant, causing a game of political condemnation.

To conclude, the ruling BJP and the centre have accused the state government of coordinating and betting on security failures by "disclosing information about the prime minister's course."

FAQs on Special Protection Group

Q.1. What is Proximate Security, as explained under Special Protection Group?

Immediate or proximate security under the Special Protection Group [SPG] is defined as protection nearby while travelling by road, rail, plane, water, food, or other means of transportation and functions, engagements, and residences. It includes ground or stops locations, including rings, round teams, quarantine cordons, surrounding sterile zones and stands, and access control to that person or his close relatives.

Q.2. What was the latest event in which the Special Protection Group [SPG] took action on behalf of the Prime Minister of India?

In the current case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on the road to a political rally. Due to bad weather, there was a last-minute change and the Prime Minister's helicopter could not fly. The law clearly states that ring-round teams, quarantine codons, and access control are Special Protection Group's obligations as part of the immediate security defined above.

Q.3. What is a Special Protection Group under the Central Government?

General supervision and control of the Special Protection Group belongs to and shall be exercised by the Central Government, and under the provisions of this Act and Regulations, the command and control of the Group shall be granted to the officers appointed, by the central government, as the director of the group.

Q.4. How do national Special Protection Groups and states promise to help work?

The law also makes it clear that the state government must support the Special Protection Group as needed. All ministries or Union Territory administrations of the central or state governments, all Indian delegations, local or other authorities, or civilian or military authorities are obliged to support members of the director or group at any time. It may be required to do so to carry out the obligations and responsibilities assigned to such directors or members.

Q.5. What are the characteristics of Special Protection Group officers?

Special Protection Group executives are deeply rooted in high leadership skills, professionalism, and impending safety knowledge, and shape the culture of leadership head-on. SPG has endeavoured to achieve this by applying innovative methods not only to its work but also to secret services and general security arrangements in collaboration with state / UT police. "