BJP disturbed over move to permit 100% FDI in private security agencies

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Murli Manohar Joshi disclosed here today that he has written letters to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to express concern over the government's move to allow 100 per cent FDI in private security agencies.

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"They are bypassing and circumventing all the clauses of the Act and with the help of an executive order they are making 100 percent out of the 49 percent. I have written a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard and have said that this type of work is purely illegal and is against the legislation," Joshi said.

"Today there are around 5 million people working in this sector. Out of this 5 million people there are two to four big companies and others are small companies. When the multinationals with FDI would come here, first and foremost they would chuck out the small investors. Then they would eye the Indian security agencies," he added.

"The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 clearly stipulates majority Indian ownership and control as a precondition for issue of license to operate private security business in the country," Joshi further said.

The party also pointed out that since some of the foreign security agencies have also sought permission for use of sophisticated weapons by their guards, this could pose a danger to internal security.

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Murli Manohar Joshi also pointed out that cases of phone-tapping by private detective agencies, use of uniforms by them which closely resemble police uniform and involvement of some rogue elements in such organisations are a cause for concern.