How secure is parliament?

Three incidents of breach of security reported in 24 days. With President Obama's scheduled visit around the corner, officials are concerned

It is the seat of power. Its corridors are frequented by those who run the country. Yet Parliament, it seems, is far from secure. Confidential documents pertaining to parliament security, accessed by MiD DAY, show three breaches have been reported in the premises within the last 24 days. Based on this, the Joint Secretary, Parliament Security, wrote a letter to his subordinates on October 7 and demanded more vigilance. The impending visit of US President Barack Obama too was mentioned in the mail.


All Eays:The Parliament House has twelve gates among which Gate
No. 1 on the Sansad Marg is the main entrance. file pic

The letter states: "Despite advice to all the officers of PSS - Parliament Security Staff - to ensure strict compliance of security regulations, the recent incidents of breach of security reflects a casual approach of the erring security staff who failed to perform their assigned duties efficiently. Strict disciplinary action has been initiated against all defaulting security personnel."u00a0

u00a0As is evident from the tone of the joint secretary's letter, there is a sense of dissatisfaction among the authorities as far as parliament security is concerned. This letter was forwarded to all senior security officials of both Houses of parliament.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

The letter also mentions that considering the threat perception to the Parliament House Estate against the backdrop of the impending visit of the US President to Parliament House, it is in the interest of the institution and in the professional interest of the officers and staff that the security duties are performed with more efficacy and sincerity.

Other breaches in the past few months
On October 12, 2010, at about 6.20 pm, a man entered parliament through TKR-II entrance and reached room number 122. However, when it was pointed out by the CCTV monitoring staff, the man was questioned but later let off as a central cabinet minister intervened.u00a0

On March 18, 2010, a woman had entered parliament without a valid pass, when the session was in progress and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other MPs were inside. The woman had entered through gate number 8 of Parliament House. She was later identified as one Anita. She had come to meet an official inside Parliament, though security officials refused to divulge more details about her and the official she had come to meet.u00a0
On January 2 and 4, 2009, a vehicle bearing registration number DL 6C J 2665 -- which was not entitled to enter parliament -- was allowed inside. Later, when the breach was pointed out the security staff was suspended.u00a0

On August 7, 2009, the then additional director, RS Pawar, managed to enter the lobbies 4,5,6,7 of parliament along with his spouse - where even the PM is not allowed to go with his spouse -- which was later pointed out from the CCTV footage. Action was taken against the staff deputed there. That additional director has now been promoted.