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SPG Commando, formed in 1988, is part of the Special Protection Group (SPG), an elite security force dedicated to providing close protection to India’s top dignitaries. This highly trained unit ensures the safety of VIPs, including current and former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members.
Established in 1988, the Special Protection Group (SPG) is an elite security force specially trained to provide close protection 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 realized the need for a specialized security force dedicated to protecting both current and former Prime Ministers of India and their immediate families.
Before the formation of the Special Protection Group (SPG), security was managed by local police, municipal forces, and other armed units, but the lack of coordination between them posed serious risks. This led to the creation of the Special Task Force (STF) under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) as an initial measure.
The SPG was officially established with 819 personnel, led by an IPS officer of Inspector General rank. Given the heightened threats against Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the SPG was specially trained to ensure his safety. However, after Rajiv Gandhi lost the election, SPG protection was withdrawn, making him vulnerable. His assassination in 1991 led to an amendment of the SPG Act, extending security coverage to former Prime Ministers and their immediate families.
Initially, this protection was granted for 10 years post-office, but today, it has been reduced to one year, with extensions based on threat assessment.
Since its inception, the SPG has remained committed to a single objective—ensuring the safety of India’s Prime Minister and their family.
SPG Budget:
In the 1997-98 Union Budget, funding for the Special Protection Group (SPG) saw a significant 40% increase. The allocation rose from ₹46 crores in the previous budget to ₹54.39 crores in the revised estimate for 1996-97. Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram further allocated ₹75.59 crores for the 1997-98 fiscal year, emphasizing the growing demand for SPG services and the expansion of its security coverage.
How are Members of SPG Selected?
The Special Protection Group (SPG) does not have a separate recruitment process. Instead, 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). Both senior and junior officers are chosen based on their expertise and experience.
SPG personnel undergo annual rotations, ensuring that no officer remains in the group for more than a year. Once their tenure ends, they return to their parent organization. The Ministry of Home Affairs issues a vacancy list to various forces, which then circulates it within their ranks. Many officers apply for SPG positions through this selection process.
The selection procedure:
The SPG recruitment process closely resembles that of the SSB, involving personal interviews, psychological assessments, and physical tests. The initial stage includes a personal interview conducted by an IPS officer of Inspector General rank, accompanied by two Deputy Inspectors General and two Assistant Inspectors General. Candidates who clear the interview must then undergo a physical examination, written test, and psychological evaluation to proceed further.
Training:
Selected SPG candidates go through a three-month probation period, during which they must clear weekly tests. Those who fail initially get a second chance in the next batch. However, if they are unable to pass again, they are sent back to their original unit. Additionally, SPG personnel are regularly rotated across different duties to maintain efficiency and adaptability.
Branches of SPG:
1. Operations: The Operations Branch is responsible for protection duties and consists of several essential divisions, including the Communications Wing, Transport Wing, and Technical Wing.
2. Training: This division specializes in training personnel in physical fitness, marksmanship, anti-sabotage techniques, communication, and various operational skills.
3. Intelligence and Tours: This division is responsible for threat assessment, internal intelligence gathering, background verification, tour planning, and other critical security tasks.
4. Administration: This division oversees personnel management, procurement, and other administrative responsibilities.
Qualification, Age Limit and Allowances:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India to be eligible.
- The applicant must be 35 years old or below to qualify.
- The applicant must have completed the 12th grade from a recognized board.
- The candidate must be a current IPS, BSF, ITBP, or CRPF member.
- SPG personnel receive an allowance of 50% of their basic salary, while those in the administrative section get a 25% pay increase.
How SPG Functions:
Standard operating procedures are in place to ensure the Prime Minister’s safety during both domestic and international tours. These include anti-sabotage checks, venue sanitization, and comprehensive personal security measures.
Every aspect of the Prime Minister’s security is meticulously planned, covering details like the number of personnel in his vehicle and on the dais. The SPG closely monitors interactions, including who meets the PM and answers his calls, while allowing the PM to decide whom he wishes to engage with.
The SPG safeguards the Prime Minister through multiple security rings. The innermost ring is entirely focused on protecting the PM during an attack. The Counter Assault Team forms the second security layer, providing covering fire to ensure the PM’s safe evacuation.
For enhanced perimeter and aerospace security, an additional third security cordon may be established, involving the NSG, IAF, and local law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Becoming a part of the Special Protection Group (SPG) is a prestigious yet highly demanding journey. As outlined, joining this elite force requires undergoing a rigorous selection process, meeting strict eligibility criteria, and completing intensive training. Only individuals with exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty successfully qualify.
Serving as an SPG commando is not just a job—it is a lifelong commitment to protecting the nation’s most important leaders. This career path demands unmatched dedication, professionalism, and courage. For those who are determined and meet the stringent requirements, earning a place in the SPG is an extraordinary honor and achievement.
