Security breach in Parliament that must lead to sweeping changes

Source: The post is based on the article “A security breach that must lead to sweeping changes” published in “The Hindu” on 21^st December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

News: Parliament recently faced a security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack. It raises concerns about its security effectiveness and the risk of future incidents.

What were the reasons behind the security breach?

Shortcomings in the Screening Process: Standard screening procedures are used only for metal detection. It cannot detect non-metallic objects like the smoke canisters hidden in the shoes.

Inattentive Security Personnel: Inattentive security personnel in the visitor’s gallery allowed the intruders to jump down and enter the chamber. Even Marshals present on the Floor of the House were unprepared for such events.

Vacant Key Positions: The position of Joint Secretary, Security, responsible for Parliament’s overall security, is vacant. Similarly, leadership positions in the Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force are unoccupied.

Lack of Advanced Technologies: The Parliament’s security system lacks modern technology like backscatter or millimeter wave scanners used in the United States and Europe.

Further, the Parliament depends on the Ministry of Home Affairs for all security needs. However, both the MHA and Parliament Secretariat seem to have missed responsibility for introducing advanced technology.

Unclear Responsibility: In the absence of the Joint Secretary of Security, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have a Director Security. However, their role in seeking and implementing advanced security technology is unclear.

What measures can be adopted to prevent such mishappening in the future?

Merging Security: The Secretary of Security, who supervises the elite SPG, should also oversee Parliament security. This will enable the sharing of advanced technologies with Parliament.

Multi-partisan Committee: A committee of five MPs from different parties should be formed including security experts, for regular monitoring.

Dedicated Director General: The security setup should be led by a Director General, with full responsibility and accountability, to improve coordination among various guarding forces.

Cooperation by MPs: MPs should actively cooperate and adapt to enhance security measures for effective implementation.

For more measures: Read Here

Question for Practice: What factors led to the recent security breach in Parliament? Suggest measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.