Suitable action to augment security of Parl Complex: Mahajan

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today said suitable action will be taken to augment the security of Parliament Complex after a parliamentary panel reported gaps in the security apparatus for the sensitive complex.
Holding that security of any institution is a continuous process and there is a need to review and upgrade it from time to time to counter emerging challenges to security and technology, she said she had constituted the Expert Committee on Security Arrangements in Parliament complex for the first time after assuming office of Speaker.
"The Secretariat has started taking action on some of the issues immediately. The Committee, which presented its final report in March 2015, has given valuable suggestions and suitable action will be taken by the agencies concerned after discussion in the Joint Committee on Security in Parliament House Complex," she said.

The committee headed by former Union Home Secretary R K Singh and also comprising former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and former Rajasthan DGP Harish Chandra Meena said in its report that out of the 450 CCTV cameras installed in the complex, nearly 100 were not functioning.
It also found that many of the security personnel do not have bullet-proof helmets and jackets besides latest equipment and modern weapons. The MPs have dealt with security matters during their professional career.
Furthermore, the panel found that most of the equipment installed for security are out-dated.

The report, submitted to Mahajan with a copy marked to the Home Ministry, suggested enhanced security at all 12 gates in the Parliament complex.

The committee held detailed discussions with various agencies and experts in security and submitted its interim report in October 2014 and its final report this March.
"The present Lok Sabha has some members who are expert in security issues and this Expert Committee was set up to utilise their profound knowledge and vast experience and also with a purpose to improve, streamline and strengthen the security set-up of the Parliament.
"The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency and holds the responsibility of security of Parliament. Therefore, this report has been shared with them for better coordination and proper action," a press release quoted Mahajan as saying.