The Centre has accorded ‘Z’ category CRPF security cover to three more Union Ministers including Anant Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan and Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary. The decision comes after review of the threat perception by security agencies.
The CPRF has already begun providing security cover to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan who is entitled to protection in Bihar. The Centre had accorded ‘Y’ category protection to Paswan’s son Chirag in 2014 in Delhi and Naxal-affected States.
Kumar, Minister for Chemical and Fertilise, will be entitled to CRPF protection in Karnataka. The paramilitary is yet to take over his security.
Union Minister of State for Home Haribhai Chaudhary will be entitled to full security in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).. His security detail will include mobile escort and close protection team on an all India basis.
The number of protectess with the CRPF now stands at 52.
Other Union Ministers being provided CRPF protection include Minister of State for PMO, Department of Personnel, Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Department of North Eastern Region Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Minister for Skill Development (Independent Charge) Rajiv Pradap Rudy.
The paramilitary is also securing Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, MoS Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Babul Supriyo and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
The Centre has also accorded CRPF security cover to BJP President Amit Shah (Z +, all over India), BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (Z, all over India, except Delhi) and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi among others.
The Centre has designated four battalions of CRPF including 221, 222, 223 and 225 exclusively for VIP security.
The paramilitary is all set to concentrate all these four battalions under one roof at a separate Group Centre coming up at Greater Noida for better logistic support and effective operational and administrative output. Apart from other training facilities, the Group Centre will also have an indoor firing range for regular practice by the security personnel engaged in VIP security to boost their skills and confidence.