India's first ever Corporate Security Summit held in Mumbai
Key stakeholders come together to develop a national policy for the Security Industry through a Public – Private Co-operation Program
In a much needed step towards constructively addressing critical issues about the security needs of the country, India’s first ever corporate security summit, the ‘Godrej Corporate India Security Summit 2009’ was held in the city today. The objective of the summit was to consolidate and fortify the security industry through a National “Public – Private Partnership Program.”
The summit was well attended by over 180 delegates from across the country catering to various security needs. A panel discussion chaired by Dara E. Byramjee, Vice President and Business Head, Godrej Security Solutions, partook in an invigorating discourse with D. R. Kaarthikeyan, Advisor, Law-Human Responsibilities-Corporate Affairs, Former Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, Director General, National Human Rights Commission & Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force; Firoze Zia Hussain, CEO, Totem International, former Superintendent of Police; Birg. Pradeep Sharma, ex NSG, counter terror and disaster expert and adviser on security & liaison, Bharat Forge Ltd.; Ram Deo Tyagi, IPS (retd); and Vinay Kargaonkar, Add. CP, Protection & Security, Mumbai. The panel proposed several important solutions that require urgent attention, if India is to be able to effectively safeguard itself against the ever burgeoning attempts to weaken the peace and security of the country.
The discussion addressed the following:
* Generation and Sensitization of Intelligence
- Creation of strong intelligent networks involving government bodies/local bodies and individuals is very essential to get constant inputs on when and where we need to be alert against any threat
* Social Accountability / Responsibility – need for re-engineering
- It is important to understand that the basic responsibility in the matter of security resides at all levels within the Government, police, local bodies and individuals
* Education and Awareness
- Strong need to get citizens and organizations involved for their own safety and security
- Several types of public awareness initiatives are needed
* Operational Preparedness
- A clear and precise chain of command related to disaster management has to be put in place and the same has to be known to all concerned
- Regular drills are necessary to ensure full preparedness of the entire disaster management system
* Set Security Standards for all entities
- Form an independent body to set security standards for all entities – public places, Government and private organizations, housing colonies etc
- Government to ensure that these standards are followed as statutes
- Identify and authorize certifying agencies for conducting periodic audits to review the levels of implementation of statutory standard
While thanking the panel for their valuable inputs and summarizing the discussion, Mr. Dara E. Byramjee, Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Security Solutions, said “I’m happy that we are in agreement for the need to bring about a definite system of standardization within the industry and a clear policy for certification of service and technological capabilities which will help ensure that all institutes follow a minimum compliance guideline, which is just not the case presently. There is also the definite need to create a level of compulsory security awareness programs within companies, schools, homes etc so people are more in a state of preparedness. We security companies will be happy to support the authorities in this process.”
Mr. Byramjee also added that, “Security is not the concern of the Government alone today. It is also the responsibility of individuals and Corporates to assist the government in whatever way they can by being proactive, rather that reactive. The Godrej Corporate India Security Summit 2009 is the first of its kind endeavor to strengthen the needs of the industry through a National Public – Private Partnership program. I am very happy to see the tremendous response to this initiative from all across the country. At Godrej we have pledged to take the lead in helping the industry gain more support and recognition from the Government authorities.”
Godrej Corporate India Security Summit 2009 (GCISS ’09) held over 13th & 14th July, 2009 is the only conference in India specifically focusing on security and future collaboration with the Government. The conference aims to share ideas and strategies to show how simple it is for individuals and corporates to take steps forward to make sure the security of our nation is more “Proactive” than “Reactive”. GCISS 2009, participated by 180 delegates covers all parameters of the industry including the current and future dangers caused by terrorists and their access to a wide range of materials and technological expertise in the manufacture of NBCW (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Weapons).
About Godrej Security Solutions Division
Godrej Security Solutions, (GSS) is a Division of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and part of the USD $ 3 billion Godrej Group, is the pioneer and leader in the business of security equipment for banks, homes, offices, airports and several other industries. The Security Solutions Division is the largest manufacturer of Security Equipment in India and has over 70 % cent of the domestic market share in the banking segment for Physical Security Products. The recent “Superbrand” status which is not only the first in the category but in the Industry, is also testimony to the fact that Godrej has been one of the most trusted brands in the security Industry. GSS is the largest supplier of security equipment to the banking industry, corporate and public institutions that include the Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, IOCL, NPCIL, Siddhivinayak Temple, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Mumbai International Airport and several other multinational companies. The Division currently exports its products to over 45 countries in the Middle East, South East Asia, Far East Asia, East Africa, US, Europe, and the SAARC countries and Australia and the rest of the world.