On 25-5-2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Special Protection Group Rules, 2023 to provide security to the Present and Former Prime Ministers and to their families. The provisions came into effect on 25-5-2023.
Key Points:
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Special Protection Group will be constituted by the Central Government (‘CG’) which will consist of:
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Director: appointed by CG at a level not less than the Additional Director General of Police from the Indian Police Service.
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Such number of members of the Group as mentioned under Section 5 (2) of the Special Protection Act, 1988 which says that:
“The Director shall, in the discharge of his duties under this Act, be assisted by such a number of Inspectors General, Deputy Inspectors General, Assistant Inspectors General and other officers as may be appointed by the Central Government.”
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Manner of appointment and terms of service:
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The officers of All India Services: such officers will be appointed to the Group on deputation by the CG with similar terms and conditions as applicable to the officer of corresponding rank in the CG.
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Other officers except All India Services: such officers will be appointed on deputation for an initial period of 6 years.
Appointment for 2nd tenure will only be done with prior approval of CG.
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The Director will act as Functional head and will be responsible for the implementation of duties assigned by the CG.
Note: Section 4 of the Act relates to constitution of Special Protection Group which will be an armed force of the Union for providing proximate security to:
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the Prime Minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence;
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any former Prime Minister and such members of his immediate family as are residing with him at the residence allotted to him, for a period of 5 years from the date he ceases to hold the office of Prime Minister.
