Recently, the central government has made a significant change in its security practices. The government has decided to withdraw the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover from the President of Congress. This decision affects not only the president but also other members of the Congress party.
History and Purpose of the Special Protection Group
The Special Protection Group, commonly referred to as the SPG, was established in 1985. Its primary goal is to provide proximate security cover to a select few individuals in the country: the Prime Minister, past Prime Ministers, and their immediate family members. The establishment of the SPG followed the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, an event which highlighted the need for specialized protection.
The Special Protection Group Act (1988)
In light of the SPG’s formation, Parliament passed the Special Protection Group Act in 1988. This act essentially dedicated the efforts of the SPG to protect the Prime Ministers of India. It served to establish the legal foundation for the SPG’s operations and clarified its function within the Indian security framework.
Amendments to the Special Protection Group Act
A few years later, in 1991, the SPG Act had to be amended. The amendment was a response to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, another former Prime Minister of India. After that event, it was decided to extend the SPG’s protection. The amendment allowed all former Prime Ministers and their families to receive SPG protection for a period of at least 10 years.
Important Facts about the Special Protection Group
Before we discuss the implications of the recent government decision, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about SPG:
| Year of Formation | Purpose | First Protected Individual |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Provide security to PM and their immediate family | Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi |
| Under the Act of | In Response to | Amendment Year and Reason |
| SPG Act (1988) | Assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi | 1991, due to assassination of Rajiv Gandhi |
The Implications of the Recent Government Decision
The government’s announcement to withdraw the SPG cover of the President of Congress is a shift away from the practice that has been in place since the SPG was established. As per this change, the SPG will no longer protect the Congress presidents, transforming the traditional dynamics of the protection system. Although the direct implications remain to be seen, this development can potentially have significant indirect effects on the security and operation of the Congress party. Nonetheless, the decision marks an important moment in the history of Indian security practices. Both its immediate and long-term outcomes are yet to be observed.
