Established in 1988, the Special Protection Group (SPG) is a highly trained organization responsible for providing close protection to India’s VIPs. These VIPs include…
Formed in 1988, the Special Protection Group (SPG) is an elite organization trained to offer close security to India’s VIPs, including current and former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members.
History of SPG:
After the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the government recognized the need for a dedicated force solely responsible for protecting current and former Prime Ministers of India and their immediate families.
Before the Special Protection Group (SPG) was formed, security was provided by local police, municipal forces, and other armed units, but there was little coordination between them. This lack of coordination led to the creation of the Special Task Force (STF), managed by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
With an initial strength of 819 positions, the SPG was led by an IPS officer at the rank of Inspector General of Police. Due to the threats surrounding Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the SPG was specifically trained to protect him. However, after Rajiv Gandhi lost the election, the SPG withdrew its protection, which increased his risks. Following his assassination in 1991, the SPG Act was amended to extend security to former Prime Ministers and their immediate families.
Initially, the protection was offered for 10 years after a Prime Minister left office. Today, this period has been reduced to one year, with extensions based on the level of threat perceived.
Since its inception, the SPG has been dedicated to a single mission: safeguarding the Prime Minister and their family.
SPG Budget:
In the 1997-98 Union Budget, the Special Protection Group (SPG) funding increased significantly by about 40 percent. The allocation rose from Rs. 46 crores in the previous budget to Rs. 54.39 crores in the revised estimate for 1996-97. Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram then allocated Rs. 75.59 crores for the 1997-98 fiscal year. This increase highlighted the growing demand for SPG services and the expansion of its security coverage.
How are Members of SPG Selected?
The Special Protection Group (SPG) doesn’t have a dedicated recruitment process. Instead, senior and junior officers are selected from various organizations, including the Indian Police Service (IPS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
SPG personnel are rotated annually, meaning no one stays in the group for more than a year. When an officer’s tenure ends, they return to their original unit. The Ministry of Home Affairs sends a vacancy list to these organizations, which then forwards it through their ranks. Many personnel apply for positions in the SPG through this process.
The selection procedure:
The selection process for the SPG is similar to that of the SSB and includes personal interviews, psychological assessments, and physical tests. The first stage involves a personal interview conducted by an IPS officer at the rank of Inspector General, along with two Deputy Inspectors General and two Assistant Inspectors General. Following the interview, candidates undergo a physical exam, a written test, and a psychological evaluation.
Training:
Candidates selected for the SPG undergo a three-month probation period, which includes weekly tests. Candidates who do not pass during this time are given another chance in the next batch. If they still fail, they return to their original unit. SPG members are also rotated regularly between different duties.
Branches of SPG:
1. Operations: The Operations Branch handles the actual protection duties and includes several key components: the Communications Wing, the Transport Wing, and the Technical Wing.
2. Training: This category focuses on training personnel in physical fitness, shooting, anti-sabotage measures, communication, and other operational skills.
3. Intelligence and Tours: This category handles threat assessment, internal intelligence on personnel, verification of backgrounds and histories, tours, and other related tasks.
4. Administration: This category manages personnel, procurement, and other related issues.
Qualification, Age Limit and Allowances:
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- The candidate must be 35 years old or younger.
- The candidate must have passed 12th grade from a recognized board.
- The candidate must be a current IPS, BSF, ITBP, or CRPF member.
- SPG members receive an allowance of 50% of their basic pay. Those in the administrative section get a 25% increase in their pay.
How SPG Functions:
Standard operating procedures ensure the Prime Minister’s safety during domestic and international tours. These procedures include anti-sabotage checks, venue sanitization, and detailed personal security measures.
Detailed operational procedures specify everything about the Prime Minister’s security, including the number of personnel accompanying him in the car and on the dais. The SPG closely monitors who meets the PM and answers his phone calls, allowing the PM to decide who he wants to meet.
The SPG protects the Prime Minister by creating multiple security rings around him. The innermost ring’s sole mission is to ensure the PM’s safety in case of an attack. The SPG’s Counter Assault Team typically forms the second ring, providing covering fire to allow the PM enough time to reach safety.
To ensure perimeter and aerospace security, in addition to the main assault team, a third security cordon, including the NSG, IAF, and local forces, may be formed.
Conclusion
Becoming a part of the Special Protection Group (SPG) is a highly prestigious and challenging endeavor. As discussed, joining this elite force involves rigorous selection processes, strict eligibility criteria, and intense training. Only those who demonstrate exceptional physical fitness, mental toughness, and a strong sense of duty make it through.
Serving as an SPG commando is a job and a commitment to protecting the nation’s most important leaders. The career path demands the highest dedication, professionalism, and courage. For those who are determined and meet the stringent requirements, the honor of joining the SPG is a truly remarkable achievement.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Special Protection Group (SPG)?
Ans: The SPG is an elite security force in India responsible for providing close protection to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate families.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for joining the SPG?
Ans: Candidates must be Indian citizens under 35 who are currently serving in the IPS, BSF, ITBP, or CRPF.
Q3: What educational qualifications are required?
Ans: Candidates must have completed their 12th standard from a recognized board.
Q4: What is the selection process for SPG commandos?
Ans: The selection process includes a personal interview, physical fitness tests, written exams, and psychological evaluations.
Q5: Is there any special training for SPG members?
Ans: Yes, SPG members undergo specialized training in areas such as physical efficiency, anti-sabotage techniques, communication, and other operational skills.
Q6: What is the duration of service for SPG personnel?
Ans: SPG personnel typically serve for a year and are then rotated back to their parent organizations.
Q7: Are there any special allowances for SPG members?
Ans: SPG members receive an allowance of 50% of their basic pay, while those in administrative roles receive a 25% hike.
Q8: What is the role of the SPG in protecting the Prime Minister?
Ans: The SPG forms multiple security rings around the Prime Minister, ensuring their safety through detailed operational procedures and coordination with other security agencies.
Q9: How does the SPG handle the Prime Minister’s security during tours?
Ans: The SPG follows strict standard operating procedures for anti-sabotage checks, venue sanitization, and personal security details during both domestic and foreign tours.
Q10: What are the career prospects after serving in the SPG?
Ans: After completing their tenure, SPG members return to their parent units, where they can continue to serve with enhanced skills and experience, often leading to career advancement.
