The country's national security guards have never been more in the limelight than now, after the Mumbai terror attacks. But, apart from coming in when the country's citizens need them, like in the hostage situation in Mumbai, one of their primary tasks is to guard politicians or VIPs.Very Important People, a VIP tag means that an inordinate amount of our national security priorities are focused on people whose threat perception does not justify it.
Over 250 politicians are categorised as Very Very Important People (VVIPS). Samajwadi Party leaders figure in the list, and they are protected by the National security Guard (NSG) black cats. With a budget of Rs 158 crores, the Special Protection Group that protects the Prime Minister and 14 others gets Rs 180 crores.
But for every 100000 people, there are 122 policemen. While 1 per cent of the forces do intelligence duty, 33 per cent again, guard the politicians.
After former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, no government takes chances with leaders who face genuine threat. However, the argument is not that our top politicians should not get protection, but what is the criteria for it? Do the cash rich millionaire Politicians deserve state protection?
Full article at: VIP security: At the cost of common man
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