Questions arise over future of Parliament security unit

• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recently took over the security of most parts of the Parliament.

Highlights:

• While the orders for deploying the CISF in the lobby and the precincts of the new Parliament building are yet to be announced, officials said a PSS component will have to be retained as the CISF officials may not be adept in recognising the MPs or former members or preventing the entry of an “imposter”.
• PSS is well-trained to interact with MPs, former MPs, etc.
• A week after a security breach was reported in the new building on December 13, 2023, the MHA accorded in-principle approval to the CISF to survey the Parliament premises and its buildings for regular deployment of personnel on a comprehensive pattern under the Government Building Security.
• The overall security is administered by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Parliament Security Service (PSS)

• The existence of which coincides with the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
• The unit, formerly known as the Watch and Ward staff, initially came into existence in 1929 after Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt dropped bombs on the Central Legislative Assembly, currently the old Parliament building or the Samvidhan Sadan.
• Watch and Ward staff was renamed the PSS in 2008.
• There are around 600 PSS officials deployed in Parliament at various ranks.

Prelims Takeaway:

• PSS
• CISF