Revised Guidelines for SPG: Special Force Safeguarding PM to be Led by ADG

Special Force Safeguarding PM to be Led by ADG

The security responsibility of the prime minister, currently undertaken by the Special Protection Group (SPG), will now be overseen by an officer of the Indian Police Service holding the rank of at least an additional director general (ADG). Junior officers will be appointed on deputation for an initial period of six years.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued new rules, outlined in a gazette notification under the Special Protection Group Act of 1988 (34 of 1988), establishing these criteria. As per the notification, officers from the All India Services will be selected for deputation to the SPG by the central government, under the same terms and conditions applicable to officers of corresponding ranks in the central government.

Revised Guidelines for SPG: Key Points

• The headquarters of the SPG will remain in New Delhi, as before, and the central government will appoint the director, who must hold a rank no lower than that of an additional director general of police from the Indian Police Service, according to the notification.
• Previously, the SPG was led by an officer with the rank of inspector general, and occasionally the post was elevated to the rank of additional director general.
• However, no specific rules regarding this had been issued until now.
• Apart from officers from the All India services, other members of the SPG will be appointed on deputation for an initial period of six years, as stated in the notification.
• The appointment for a second term may be made with the prior approval of the central government, and reasons for the decision must be recorded, the notification stated.
• The director will have overall supervision, control, and administration of the SPG, including responsibilities for training, discipline, and implementation of assigned duties under the Act, as well as any additional duties, orders, or instructions given by the central government.
• The central government will establish standard operating procedures to specify the manner in which assistance is to be provided to the director or members of the SPG, as outlined in the Act.