No more free security in Punjab: Police prepares draft
Chandigarh: VIPs in Punjab will no longer receive free security; instead, they will have to pay for it. A draft regarding this has been prepared by the police department, which has provided this information to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Under the new draft, free security will be given only to those earning less than three lakh rupees and to witnesses. All other individuals will need to pay for their security.
Currently, about 900 people have been provided security by the Punjab Police. This new draft may be implemented starting in July.
Security is Categorized into Three Levels
Following the strict directives of the High Court, the Punjab government has prepared and presented a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for police security. In this draft, the police stated that over 900 people were provided police security in the state.
These individuals are categorized into three levels: politicians, celebrities, and members of religious and social organizations. Security reviews will be conducted every three months, and further strategies will be based on these reviews.
Charges: Rs 1.25 to 1.5 Lakh Per constable
According to the new rules, the police have made provisions to recover the expenses incurred for providing security from individuals whose income exceeds three lakh rupees. These individuals will be charged Rs 1.25 to 1.5 lakh per jawan. However, individuals with lower incomes whose lives are in danger and who are receiving threats will not be required to pay for security. The draft also applies to religious and social leaders; if celebrities want security, they will have to pay for it. Senior government officials, ministers, MLAs, judges, and recognized political parties are exempted from these charges.
Only 39 People Currently Paying for Security
The Punjab Police informed the court that they have provided security to 900 individuals, but only 39 of them are currently paying for it. The court has reprimanded the police regarding this issue.