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Keeping vigil
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Private security services play a key role in protecting the life and property of the residents
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Photo: S. Gopakumar
STANDING GUARD: Private security servicemen outside Mascot Hotel
NOT VERY long ago, it was the Gorkhas guarded the life and property of people in the city. Today, Gorkhas are few. Instead, we have smartly-attired trained private security personnel to for maintain vigil.
Private security service
"In Kerala, private security services began in the early Eighties. However, they witnessed a spurt only five years ago," says Padmadas, Security Officer, Cavalier Security Service.
Says Biju, proprietor, Safe Security Service: "Break-ins and burglaries are rampant in Thiruvananthapuram. Agencies like ours provide cost-effective protection to the clients."
Started in 1997, Safe Security Service has nearly 200 guards on its roll.
They are stationed in Government agencies, private establishments and residences.
Training
Training for security personnel is largely client-focussed. The duration of training extends from 15 days to two months. They are trained in fire fighting, office security and interaction skills. "Maximum emphasis is laid on discipline and conduct during training and employment," says Sasidharan, area manager, Cavalier Security Service. "Inductees are asked to produce a certificate of conduct from the panchayat president or councillor as proof of their conduct," adds Narayanan Nair of Capital Security Service.
Employment
Private security services provide employment to a large number of men in the age group of 20 to 58 years. The candidates should have passed Class X. Private security services acts as a stopgap arrangement for graduates who want to look for other jobs," says Narayanan Nair, owner of Capital Security Service.
Security services also find appeal with the elderly. Says Biju of Safe Security: "This job provides elderly men a chance to earn their living and remain occupied."
It is also the choicest career option for ex-servicemen. "The training and experience that ex-servicemen gain during their tenure with the armed forces comes quite handy," says Retd. Colonel A. P. Viswanath of PA Star Security Services. This Alappuzha-based firm, registered in the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) under the Ministry of Defence (the DGR looks after all matters connected with the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents), operates in Thiruvananthapuram as a branch of Travancore Investigations & Security Services.
Says Cherian Thomas, managing partner of the firm: "Apart from providing security guards, we also undertake detective work in areas ranging from pre-marital investigation to asset verification for banks." Security personnel are assigned positions to suit the requirement of the clients. Says Sunitha, partner, Security and Protective Services: "We generally recruit older men, as they are more responsible. The deployment stations are frequently rotated to help our staff gain enhanced exposure along with breaking the associated monotony." Security and Protective Services, established in 1987, is among the few agencies that first started offering private security in the city.
These security guards are hired on a contract basis and their average monthly remuneration ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000, depending on the experience of the guard and the credibility of the firm. Security personnel with authorised agencies also earn PF and ESI benefits. Says Rajendran, guard with Kaliyakavala-based Suraksha Security Service: "This job involves working in shifts. This allows us to seek employment elsewhere and earn more money."
Security services offer limited scope for employment of women. "Night shifts are a deterrent. Finding suitable positions for their deployment is also a problem," says Sunitha.
An agency that offers positions for women is Group 4 Falck. Women are trained here to double as front office personnel in times of need. A major presence in the city, this organisation lays utmost stress on maintaining quality standards and protecting the interests of its clients.
Concerns
The proliferation of unauthorised agencies and the resultant competition is a matter of concern. "Tenders are floated for availing the services of security personnel by Government establishments. In a bid to award the tender to the lowest quotation, personnel are deployed without any scrutiny of their background," says Narayanan Nair.
"Lack of Governmental control on the setting up of security agencies has their proliferation," says Biju. The hike in service tax to 10 per cent in the recent budget has also affected the growth of security firms. "This cuts upon the agency commission and thereby the remuneration to the security personnel," says Sunitha.
Says Karthik, a guard employed with an unauthorised agency: "My job involves standing for hours on end. I earn barely Rs. 1,300 for this work even though the agency receives Rs. 2,500."
Says Wilson K. Joseph, Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, Thiruvananthapuram: "It is difficult for the Government machinery to provide protection to everyone at all times. The concept of private security, which is quite popular in the Western countries, needs all encouragement for their growth and sustenance here. However, legislation to curb the unauthorised setting up of agencies is called for to protect and upgrade the integrity of this profession."
REMA SUNDAR
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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