NEW DELHI, Nov 17: The government should come out soon with guidelines for issue of arms licenses on retainership basis to private security agencies, industry body Ficci has said.
In a letter to Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry, Veena Kumari Meena, Ficci said private security agencies are engaged in protection of crucial establishments like bank branches, ATMs and fuel stations.
Such establishments have a dire need for armed security guards and till now private agencies were employing persons holding arms licences in personal capacity to meet this requirement, the letter said.
“But in recent months various state police departments have clarified that private arms cannot be used for performing duties as armed security guards. In this scenario, security of critical sectors is compromised.
It said that to address this issue, the Home Ministry had constituted a committee to review the matter and define guidelines for issues of arms licences on retainership basis to private security agencies licensed under Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSAR).
“We would request you to kindly conclude this matter and addressing the pressing need of private security industry and thousands of critical establishments that require armed security,” it said.
It also asked for organising a national level review meeting for the enforcement of the PSAR Act.
“It has been over eight years since the PSAR Act was legislated. Even as the Central Act has been adopted by all states and licensing authorities for private security agencies, on ground implementation of the Act has been rather slow,” it added. (PTI)
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