VIII. THE WATCH & WARD, DOOR-KEEPING AND SANITATION SERVICE
44. WATCH & WARD OFFICE
44.1 Introduction:
Historical Perspective:- In January 1926, the idea of a separate Secretariat for the legislature of India, independent of the Executive arm of the Government, was mooted in the Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative bodies in India under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Shri V.J. Patel, the then President of Central Legislative Assembly. The conference adopted a resolution to that effect. This was followed by a resolution seeking constitution of a separate legislative Assembly department moved in the Central Legislative Assembly by Pandit Motilal Nehru in September 1928. On 10January 1929, a separate self-contained department known as the ‘Legislative Assembly Department’ was created with the then Hon’ble President (Speaker) of Legislative Assembly Department as its de- facto head.
On 8 April 1929, a bomb-throwing incident took place inside the Central Legislative Assembly Chamber [presently the Lok Sabha Chamber]. This incident underlined the need for an exclusive and effective security arrangement for the Assembly.
Encouraged by the success of creation of a separate Legislative Assembly department and in keeping the approach of making Parliament a self-contained and self-sufficient unit under the direct control of Hon’ble President of the then Central Legislative Assembly, a Committee was constituted to formulate a scheme for creating a security service exclusively for the Central Legislative Assembly on 3 September 1929 by Hon’ble Shri V.J. Patel, the then President of the Legislative Assembly.
[ a ] Watch and Ward : The Creation
The Committee, after going into the depth and details of the proposed scheme opined that a Security service should be created immediately to protect and guard the inner precincts of the Parliament House and to keep a vigil/watch on the unauthorized activities inside Parliament. The Committee aptly decided to name the organisation as “WATCH AND WARD”.
The Legislative Assembly department (LAD) continued with the same name until 26 January 1950, when, with the coming into force of the Constitution of India and the creation of a Provisional Parliament, it was changed to ‘PARLIAMENT SECRETARIAT’. With the creation of two separate Houses in 1952, the Secretariat of the House of the People continued to be called the Parliament Secretariat, while a new Secretariat called the ‘Council of States Secretariat’ was set up for the Council of States. Their names were changed respectively to ‘Lok Sabha Secretariat’ and ‘Rajya Sabha Secretariat’ in 1954, in tune with the Hindi nomenclatures of the Houses. These two Secretariats started functioning as independent entities under the ultimate guidance and control of Hon’ble Chairman/Speaker for the respective Houses.
The Watch and Ward service continued to provide security through all these Constitutional changes witnessed by the Parliament. The Houses were allotted different Secretariats for administrative conveniences and separate area was demarcated for the newly created Council of States/Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
[b] Watch and Ward : The Multifaceted Growth
With the passage of time, Watch and Ward acquired specialization in the field of identification of Members of Parliament and VIPs. Their services started being requisitioned for outside the Parliament House complex during National ceremonies such as Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath, Independence day celebrations at Red Fort, ‘At Home’ functions and Swearing in ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan etc. Further augmentation of the security arrangements in Parliament continued in light of the ever- changing security scenario and threat perception.
Further, as National & International Parliamentary conferences started meeting, the duties of Watch and Ward increased manifold viz. receiving and seeing off National and International delegates at the airport, looking after their lodging and boarding at hotels, their security arrangements at the hotels and accompanying them to the places of sight seeing apart from performing duties at the venue of such Conferences.
[c] Watch and Ward : The Unparalleled
Over the years, the Watch and Ward department evolved into an unparalleled organization, which carries out very sensitive security duties within its limitations. Watch and Ward staff, being totally unarmed performs security duties for safeguarding the historical and prestigious Parliament House building, its members and the VVIPs, even at the risk of their lives.
44.2 The ‘Martyrdom:’ In recent years, the scourge of terrorism has made the task of security more onerous than ever before. The terrorist attack on the Parliament House on 13 December 2001 has made the task of Watch and Ward more intense and the department has proved more than equal to the challenge. Two members of Watch and Ward staff laid their lives at the altar of duty in this incident.
Every year on 13 December, Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Members of both the Houses of Parliament including Ministers, the Chiefs of various Central Paramilitary forces & other security agencies and officers & staff of Watch and Ward pay their solemn tribute to the ‘Martyrs’ who made their supreme sacrifice at the altar of duty in the service of our motherland, in keeping with the glorious and high tradition of this great Institution.
44.3 Modernization: ‘As a tool for stemming the tide of terrorism’
The modernization process began in 1990’s with upgradation of the security organization by inducting professional security managers of new era and introducing sophisticated technical security gadgets. The qualitative performance of the organization got an impetus with the addition of Technical wing consisting of Anti-Sabotage check teams, Close Circuit TV and Wireless Communication systems. The idea was to transform the Watch and Ward into a compact and a self contained force capable to discharge its duties and responsibilities and handle its affairs on its own. Technical expertise was drawn from various Central Paramilitary and State Police forces on deputation basis to upgrade the Technical wing. The basic idea was to induct technical hands on deputation for three years to train the Watch and Ward staff to enable them acquire the technical capability. However, the same could not be achieved due to acute shortage in the regular Watch and Ward and even now the assistance of technical experts is sought from various Central Paramilitary forces and Intelligence agencies to fill in the gap.
The technical upgradation added a new dimension to the professional efficacy of Watch and Ward by elevating the professional standards. However, in due course it was realised that mere technical upgradation would not fulfill the objective. The Watch and Ward, as an organization, had to be given a facelift and that could have been possible only if the custodians of the in-house security were adequately and thoroughly trained in all aspects relating to security, so that the nefarious designs of destructive elements were effectively countered and the premises of Parliament was provided a secure environment where the representatives of the people felt absolutely safe to discharge their constitutional duties in the interest of the Nation and its People. The Watch and Ward as Security wing of Parliament House urgently needed such technical upgradation to counter the methods of terrorists and terrorism.
Drawing the lessons from the experience of 13 December 2001 and in view of the ever intensifying threat perception as well as the ever- growing activities of terrorist organizations towards destabilizing the administrative machinery and political system, the security managers of Parliament House were compelled to take the threat aspects with utmost seriousness. The security arrangements were further beefed up in accordance with the instructions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee [JPC] on Security. The responsibilities of the Technical Wing consists of: -
§ Anti-Sabotage search. § Monitoring of access control through CCTV. § Maintenance of Technical equipment. § Wireless communication.
The Communication control room in Parliament House complex ensured uninterrupted communication with all important deployment points during session/intersession. The system was further upgraded with the procurement and issuance of latest state of the art wireless Communication sets to the staff for use in their operational duties. The whole communication and transmission system was also streamlined with the opening of many new communication channels to ease net congestion.
The Anti-sabotage check teams, equipped with the latest search and explosive detection equipment, carried out anti-sabotage checks of PH, PHA and PLB on daily basis to sanitize the Parliament House Complex.
A Dog squad consisting of 4 sniffer dogs alongwith staff taken from BSF also assisted the Anti-sabotage check teams.
The CCTV surveillance system played an important role in monitoring various Access control points apart from providing valuable evidences for Investigative security. Clippings from CCTV were also utilized as feedback for improving the functional efficiency of the organization.
The security set up was further expanded when a Centralised Pass Issue cell [CPIC]and a Central Command & Control Station [CC&CS] were made operational. CPIC has been entrusted with the task of issue of Radio Frequency [RF] electronic computerized passes to authorized persons and vehicles. These RF ID’s ensured constant monitoring of pedestrian and vehicular traffic by the CC&CS, thereby ensuring differential access control. One JD, One AD & One SA were posted to CPIC from Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha and during session period additional five SAs were attached.
On the instructions of JPC on Security, various technical gadgets to revamp and strengthen the security system were procured and installed at various access points. Complete security system has been integrated as one system. The latest security gadgets installed ensured Differential Access control.
To further strengthen the physical security measures, non- lethal Power fence has been energized along the perimeter wall. At the entry points to the Parliament House complex, RF Readers/sensors have been installed which ensured the verification and identification aspects of access control. Under vehicle surveillance system [UVSS] at vantage points have been installed and made operational. At the Iron gates, Boom Barriers and Bollards have been installed to control the flow of vehicular traffic. Additionally, Tyre Killers and Road Blockers have also been installed to prevent intrusion. At the Pedestrian gates, Flap barriers have been installed. All these modern technical gadgets provided unhindered entrance only to authorised persons possessing RF ID’s issued by CPIC. The CC&CS acts as the overall monitoring and overriding authority. Two SAs from Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha have been posted to CC&CS.
Much needed and all encompassing modernization of Watch and Ward is well on its way. Many a state of the art equipment have been inducted and many more are in the pipe line, in syncronization with the ‘Revolution in Security Management’, to provide the best to our officers on job.
44.4 Hierarchical Chart of Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha: Keeping in view the multi-pronged security arrangements and need for professional developments, the Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha has been further segmented into various wings, namely (i) Operations wing, PH; (ii) Operations wing, PHA; (iii) Administration, Training & Planning wing {ATP}; (iv) Sanitation wing and (v) Fire & Technical wing , in order to streamline the work and increase efficiency by taking up need based tasks on an extensive scale. The respective wings are headed by Joint Directors with requisite number of Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and Security Officers under them and the functional staff. The allocation of work and charter of Duties has been clearly outlined for each wing and the coordination of overlapping responsibilities is done by Director [Security].
44.5 Vision and Mission Statement of Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha:
44.5.1 ‘VISION’
“A dynamic, modern, alert and effective security organization”
Continuing the tradition of excellence, the Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha aims at providing an alert, effective and efficient security cover to Parliament House, Members of Parliament, visiting world luminaries and other functionaries while observing due courtesy and decorum. The Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha aims at providing a pro- active security to Parliament House, which shall be Consensual, intelligent, need based, technologically modern, user friendly and interactive.
44.5.2 ‘MISSION STATEMENT’
“Optimum security by a well trained and highly motivated team ”
The Watch and Ward staff shall provide effective and efficient security cover to the Parliament House complex, Members of Parliament, visiting world luminaries and other functionaries. It will discharge its functions with the Parliamentary norms.
It will discharge its duties with regard to physical security and safety of the precincts, anti-sabotage checks, access control, facilitating Members of Parliament and responding to contingencies by optimizing the use of technical gadgets for security and manual skills. For this, Watch and Ward staff will regularly train itself and acquire new skills, develop their capabilities and foster espirit–de-corps to meet the new challenges.
The Watch and Ward staff are the source of its strength and while discharging these duties, they shall maintain the highest standards of personnel and professional conduct, honesty, integrity, modesty, personal responsibility, trustworthiness, discipline, discretion, courtesy and uphold the dignity of this great National Institution.
44.5.3 ‘MOTTO’
The motto of Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha is “Security, Courtesy and Efficiency”.
44.5.4 ‘PRIORITIES’
Provide effective and efficient security cover to Parliament House precincts against various threats and upgrade professional skills and technology to successfully achieve the Watch and Ward mission.
44.5.5 ‘CORE VALUES’
The Watch and Ward will strive for excellence in all aspects of its Mission. In pursuing the Mission and Vision, the Watch and Ward staff will be true to, and exemplify, the following core values: -
i. Adherence to the rules and regulations, rights and privileges of Hon’ble Members of Parliament provided under the constitution; ii. Integrity through everyday ethical behaviour; iii. Accountability by accepting responsibility for their ‘actions’ and ‘decisions’ and the consequences of their actions and decisions; iv. Fairness in dealing with people and v. Leadership through example.
44.5.6 ‘LEADERSHIP UNDERTAKING’
To lead by personal example, to motivate, to provide support, to delegate responsibilities and to inspire, to encourage excellence, goal orientation, initiative, creativity, resourcefulness, courage and to accept full command responsibility and implement it constructively.
44.6. Responsibilities: The security set up in Parliament House Complex is looked after by the Watch and Ward wings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat. Director [Security], Rajya Sabha Secretariat exercises operational control over Watch and Ward, Rajya Sabha, and the administrative authority vests with Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The Watch and Ward of Rajya Sabha being a part of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat functions under the control and direction of Hon’ble Chairman.
Over the past two decades, the security of VVIPs and the Parliament House has assumed prime importance. Intelligence reports indicate that a grave threat persists with regards to the security of the Parliament House. Keeping this in view, the main objective of Parliament Security is to provide protection to the human resources [VIPs, staff and visitors] and the material resources [the Parliament House Building and all other assets] within the precincts of the Parliament House Complex. The areas of action in pursuit of this objective can be classified as under: -
· Coordination of protection measures for all VVIPs, Members of Parliament, staff of the Secretariat and visitors; · To have a well integrated access control system using all possible technical gadgets for security so as to ensure proper control and regulation of human resources (staff and visitors) and material resources (stores etc.) within Parliament House Complex and to ensure its proper checking, frisking and regulation. Also to prevent unauthorized entry of men and material inside Parliament House Complex ; · Guarding of the Rajya Sabha Chamber, Galleries, Central Hall and other areas of Parliament House, Parliament House Annexe and Parliament Library Building against any act of sabotage; · Maintenance of order within the precincts of Parliament House Complex ; · Ensuring thorough anti-sabotage and anti-explosive checks of all vital areas of Parliament House, Parliament House Annexe and Parliament Library Building; · Fire safety and preventive measures; · To liaise and coordinate the efforts of other security and non-security agencies with that of the Watch and Ward to ensure a fail-proof security arrangement; · Planning and preparation for training of security personnel in coordination with other security and non- security agencies; · Performing ceremonial and other duties of Marshal entrusted by the Hon’ble Chairman inside or outside the Parliament House complex.
Thus, the main responsibility of Watch and Ward organisation is to provide and maintain Pro-active, Preventive and Protective Security within the Parliament House complex, to the Hon’ble Members of Parliament and distinguished luminaries. The whole approach revolves around the principles of Access control based on proper authorization, verification, identification and authentication of human and material resources entering the Parliament House complex with the help of modern technical security gadgets. Since the threat perception has been increasing over the years due to manifold growth of number of terrorist organizations; refinement in their planning, intelligence, actions and surrogated war-fare employed by organizations sponsoring and nourishing terrorists, new security procedures have also been introduced into the security management to counter the ever-changing modus operandi of terrorist outfits/individuals having nefarious intentions and ulterior motives thereby posing threat to Parliament House complex.
44.6.1 COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES: -
This avowed objective is achieved in close coordination with various security agencies such as Delhi Police, CRPF, ITBP, IB, SPG, NSG, Home Ministry and State Governments. Watch and Ward acts as the overall coordinating agency.
For arranging a fail-proof and user friendly security, the Watch and Ward maintains proper liaison and effective coordination with various allied security agencies such as Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Fire Service, Intelligence Bureau, Special Protection Group, National Security Guard, State Police , Para Military forces etc. Advance security liaison [ASL] meetings and Coordination meetings are held before each session of Parliament, functions likely to be attended by Hon’ble President and Prime Minister of India, visit / address of a foreign head of State to Hon’ble MPs, International Conferences held in / organized by Parliament and Other important functions within Parliament House complex.
44.7 MANAGEMENT OF OPERATIONS: [PH, PHA & PLB]
44.7.1 RECEPTION OFFICE: [PH & PHA]
Reception Offices facilitated the visitors coming to Parliament House/Parliament House Annexe to meet the Members of Parliament, Ministers and officers of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. These offices also helped the officials coming to Parliament House/Parliament House Annexe in connection with official works.
In all, 36,244 entry passes were issued by the two Reception offices during the year 2004, the details of which are shown as below:
Entry Passes issued by PH Reception Office Reception Office, PH Month Computerized MP Interview No. of Casual entry Slips persons passes issued taken for. [ C.C.E.Ps] Show Round January 1035 01 268 February 928 22 87 March 786 - 242 April 993 - 236 May 892 - 217 June 1345 - 64 July 1884 09 12 August 1661 10 212 September 1153 - 285 October 1095 - 240 November 1771 - 279 December 2285 54 112 TOTAL 15,828 96 2254 Grand Total of 2,254 + 96 + 15,828 = 18,178 passes issued by Reception Office, PH
Entry Passes issued by PHA Reception Office
Reception Office, PHA Computerized Accompanied Manual Casual entry persons casual entry Month passes passes [ C.C.E.Ps] [ M.C.E.Ps] January’04 1148 195 92 February 899 126 142 March 1150 183 80 April 789 134 120 May 849 154 146 June 1243 287 117 July 1205 214 209 August 1437 341 515 September 1407 300 81 October 1181 226 71 November 1110 154 33 December 1257 306 165 TOTAL 13,675 2,620 1,771 Grand Total of passes issued by 13,675 + 2,620 + 1,771 = 18,066 Reception Office
44.7.2 OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE:
[a] Access Control :
The responsibilities of the Watch and Ward is in the continuous process of compounding in view of the stringent security measures implemented to counter the severe security threat. Various access points in the Parliament House complex were redesigned in order to streamline vehicular and pedestrian movement. With the merger of Talkatora road within the complex of Parliament, additional access control points were created.
With the introduction of the hi-tech security gadgets at the access control points, the checking of unauthorized entry has been streamlined to a great extent. The R.F. tag readers have on one hand made the identification of persons and vehicles entering Parliament House Complex much simpler and practical than ever before.
[b] Show – Round:
One of the important operational activity of Watch and Ward is the Show-round of the Parliament House complex to the visitors coming to see the Parliament House. The Security Assistants of Watch and Ward are detailed to ensure that the distinguished visitors, foreign dignitaries and delegations are conducted properly and given factual and detailed account of the History of Parliament, its building and the procedures practiced for conducting the proceedings of Parliament. For students, it is designed more or less on the pattern of an educational tour. Visitors are also given a brief about the statues and portraits installed in the complex.
[c] Security Briefings and Drills :
In view of the heightened threat to the security of VVIPs/VIPs and important Government buildings like Parliament House from various terrorist groups, special security briefing sessions were arranged for Watch and Ward Staff before commencement of every session of Parliament in which officers from Parliament security and various security agencies gave detailed briefing on various security measures.
Mock security drills with regard to protection, evacuation and rescue etc. in accordance with standing orders and prescribed duties defined for Disaster Management and Contingency plans were carried out at regular intervals during the year.
[d] Security duties outside Parliament:
The Watch and Ward staff also performed security duties outside Parliament House complex at important National ceremonies and functions such as: - i. Republic day parade at Rajpath. ii. Independence day function at Red Fort. iii. ‘At Home’ functions organized in Rashtrapati Bhavan attended by approximately 10,000 –12,000 dignitaries. iv. Oath taking ceremonies for Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan. v. Functions held / dinners hosted by Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Cabinet Ministers at their residence or outside elsewhere and likely to be attended by Hon’ble Members of Parliament.
[e] Other Duties:
Besides their normal duties in Parliament House complex, the Watch and Ward staff also performed security duties at various functions, Oath taking ceremonies of newly elected Members of Parliament, meetings of consultative and Parliamentary standing committees in PH/PHA and Statue unveiling ceremonies [attended by approximately 1,000 dignitaries] within Parliament precincts during the year. They also assisted the Joint Recruitment cell of Parliament in conducting the examinations for recruitment to various posts in Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha Secretariat.
44.7.3 DELEGATIONS, SPECIAL FUNCTIONS AND BPST SHOW-ROUNDS: -
A total of 12,706 persons including 721 distinguished visitors, 968 Press correspondents, 7,041 officials from various Ministries and 3,976 visitors to the public gallery witnessed the proceedings of Rajya Sabha during the sessions in the year 2004. Thus, the security staff regulated a flow of 48,950 visitors in Parliament House complex, apart from the staff members, political luminaries and special invitees for attending various functions during the year.
The Watch and Ward Staff assisted in receiving and conducting the following VIPs who visited the Parliament House during the year 2004 to the Special Box.
§ 19.01.2004: - Sh. Pascal Lamy, commissioner (Trade) European commission and other dignitaries § 21.01.2004: 5 member women Parliamentary Delegation of Uzbekistan § 13. 02.200: Delegates of the Auditors General global working group. § 08.03.2004: M.S. Eleaner Valentine, a Parliamentary official of Armenia. § 07.07.2004: H.E. Mr. Vuk Zugic, Ambassador of Serbia and Montenegro and H.E. Mr. Yasunkuni Enoki, Ambassador of Japan. § 14.07.2004: H.E. Mr. Joschka Fisches, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. § 14.07.2004: Mr. Richard Armitage, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. § 20.07.2004: H.E. Mun Song Mo, Ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. § 22.09.2004: Visit to India led by delegation of the UK’s Conservative Parliamentary friends of India (CPFIN) – Members of the British Parliament form U.K. § 04.11.2004: Study visit by Mr. Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Speaker (House of Representatives) Malaysia and other officers. § 10.11.2004: Parliamentary delegation led by Hon’ble Somesk Prisananantagul from Thailand. § 30.11.2004: H.E. Mr. S.Z. YHHOUBI, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. § 09&10.12.2004: Poland Parliamentary delegation led by H.E. Mr. Sozaf Oleksy,Marshal of Sejm (Speaker of the Lower House of Polish Parliament) § 20.12.2004: Parliamentary delegation led by H.E.Chaudhary Amir Hussian, Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan.
The Watch and Ward Staff also assisted in conducting the following groups of officers from various services visiting Parliament House to attend training programmes organized by BPST /Study visits during the year 2004: -
§ Officers of Indian Railway Traffic Service. § Study visit by Assistants from ISTM. § Study visit by Audit Officers. § Officers of Indian Railways Stores Service. § Probationers of Indian Foreign Services. § 96th Batch of I.A.S. Officers from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy, Mussourie. § Probationers of I.T.S and B.W.S. § Officers of Indian Audit and Account Services of Indian Ordinance Factories. § Orientation Course in Parliamentary procedure and practice for Officers /Legislatures of State Govt. § Visit of Students of Touro College, Law Centre, U.S.A § Members of Youth Parliamentarians from various states.
44.7.4 PARLIAMENT LIBRARY BUILDING [PLB] :-
The newly constructed PLB with latest facilities became the center of activity involving the visit of VVIPs / VIPs. Many training programmes and official meetings were held requiring elaborate security arrangement. The burden of the security arrangement was equitably shared and the Watch and Ward staff of Rajya Sabha took charge of two Access control points.
Additional security deployment was provided to further strengthen the security arrangement as and when required in PLB, depending on the nature and magnitude of the function.
44.8 Administration, Training and Planning: To understand the specific training needs of Watch and Ward and upgradation of knowledge and skills in order to enhance organizational efficiency, an Administration, Training and Planning wing [ATP] within Watch and Ward was created. The task of this wing was to explore and dig out innovative ideas in the field of administration, training, planning, knowledge upgradation and personnel management of the Watch and Ward staff.
The ATP wing was conceived with an unique idea of understanding and analyzing the changes and accordingly planning, preparing and adopting a pro-active approach in providing tailor-made human resource training activities for the professional development of security personnel and to understand and analyse the threat perception in a larger perspective of overall security scenario, through extensive research studies, at the national and international level and its probable present and future implications on the security of Indian Parliament. The wing was also given the responsibility of identifying the problem areas from the viewpoint of an insider and suggest solutions for personnel management. This valuable idea proved to be a boon for the organization as it inculcated an element of preparedness and foresightedness thereby assisting in introduction of Knowledge acquisition programmes and preparation of counter response and contingency plans.
44.8.1 ADMINISTRATION:
The Administration cell of ATP wing undertook various matters related to providing better administrative infrastructure and bring in further improvements in the working conditions. Proposals related to issue of adequate and additional livery items to security staff according to weather conditions, computerization of Watch and Ward, upholstery of furniture, changes in the methods and conditions of service rules, additional space for Watch and Ward staff including renovation and remodeling etc. were undertaken by this cell during the year.
During the year under report a number of grievance redressal/ briefing/ welfare meetings were held with the officers and staff of Watch and Ward. Interactive sessions with the security staff were held to understand the ground realities so as to obtain valid suggestions to improve the efficiency of the security set-up and organizational performance.
As a result of the sustained efforts and initiatives undertaken by this cell, the following tasks were fulfilled during the year:
· Issue of additional W/T communication sets for effective communication. · On the proposal submitted in the year 2003 regarding the paucity of manpower faced by Watch and Ward due to the vacancies in the grades of SO, SSA & SA- I, 57 Security Assistants were recruited. Most of the selected candidates joined Watch and Ward during the year while some were still going through various stages of the joining process. · Big Umbrellas for shade were procured and provided at Iron Gates in Rajya Sabha sector. · As a change in the ‘methods and conditions of service rules’, the service rendered in the grades of SA- Gr.II and SA-Gr.-I were clubbed for promotion to the grade of SSA. · The grade of Security guard was declared a dying cadre with a provision that the sanctioned posts of Security guards would be transferred in the grade of SA-II as and when they fall vacant. · Proposal for change in promotion rules for filling up the vacant posts in various grades. · 10 computers were installed in Watch and Ward offices in PH and PHA. Networking of all these computers also took place. · 10 computer tables/chairs were provided to Watch and Ward. Upholstery of furniture in the offices of Watch and Ward and Change room of staff was also changed. · Individual raincoats were issued to Security personnel.
Apart from liaisoning with other sections of Rajya Sabha Secretariat on administrative matters related to Watch and Ward in its day to day functioning, an internal Grievance Redressel system was also put in place to enable the staff to put forth their problems to the designated officers on weekly basis at a allotted time and day. Besides, action taken on the points raised during interaction sessions were circulated to the staff.
44.8.2 TRAINING: PHILOSOPHY, POLICY AND STRATEGY
[a] Training Philosophy
The philosophy behind imparting training to the security staff was to groom them in a phased manner by creating in them a knowledge base in the core aspects of security in order to improve and enhance their capabilities in the day to day functioning and to enable them to discharge their organizational obligations efficiently and effectively.
The training philosophy, thus prepared for Watch and Ward, was aimed to: -
1. Prepare individuals for functional competence–Present as well as Future; 2. Develop the psychological preparedness towards a willing acceptance of changes – Challenges and Opportunities; 3. Create sensitivity to the needs of the organization so that the individual can discharge his duties and responsibilities harmoniously; both to the organization and to self and nurture and enrich the organizational culture; 4. Extending support to team effort, building of harmonious inter- personal relationship, spirit of enquiry, inquisitiveness and innovation and 5. Facilitate greater job satisfaction and pursuit of excellence.
[b] Training Policy
To implement and achieve the training philosophy, a training policy was formulated by this wing, covering the aspects of training as [a] Basic induction level, [b] In-house Refresher courses on security, [c] Training with specialized security agencies within the country, [d] Pre-promotional courses, [e] Courses aimed at overall development of the personality of the security personnel and [f] Overseas security trainings. The basic objective of the policy was enhancing organizational efficiency by sharpening and improving professional skills of the security personnel, spotting the right attitude and aptitude of an individual so that his skills can be utilized in the best possible manner and grooming the security personnel in order to form an alert, motivated and effective base for strengthening the organizational pyramid.
[c] Training Strategy : Changing T’s and Required T’s
In view of the continuous changes in Time, Technology and Tactics adopted/likely to be adopted by various terrorist outfits/individuals, it became imperative for senior security managers to prepare strategy with clear objective to impart Training to the ‘Target group’ in all spheres of security for smooth Transition and also to ensure effective discharge of security related responsibilities. To achieve the philosophy and objective of imparting training to the security staff so as to enhance their overall efficiency, serious efforts were made to create a balance between ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ trainings designed for them. While the formal trainings were aimed at creating a knowledge base in the core issues of security, the informal trainings were designed to improve and enhance the individual capabilities of the security personnel in order to enable him/her discharge the organizational obligations effectively.
The formal training activities included Induction Level Training course, security training with specialized training academies / centres, In-house security refresher courses, Overseas security trainings, Project preparation on various aspects of security & its powerpoint presentation and Peer-Group discussions.
The other strategy adopted to achieve the objective of creating an organized and trained team, the staff and officers were motivated to accept the challenge of severe constraints under which they were to take their organization to the heights of elegance and esteem through Team-spirit, Leadership, unmatched dedication and devotion. To ensure a clear shift from traditional security to Managerial security, it was felt to train the security staff in Behavioral, Communication, Leadership, Motivational and Management skills.
Strategy Implementation : Training activities Undertaken in 2004
A comprehensive Induction Level Training course [ILTC] based on the syllabus designed specifically to suit the requirements of Parliament security was drafted and approved. Immense efforts were made to manage funds with the cooperation of the Administration for imparting such training. Two batches comprising of a total 26 SAs underwent the ILTC course at NISA, CISF, Hydrabad during the year.
Though the training efforts were constrained by paucity of manpower in Watch and Ward, efforts were made to arrange meaningful and interactive in-house courses where the inputs were given by visiting faculty invited on programme basis. Eminent personalities such as Padamshree Sh. K.P.S. Gill [ former DGP, Punjab Police], Sh. B.B.Mishra [Special Secretary, Home], Sh. Jayant Mishra [OSD to Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha], Sh. Arun Bhagat [former Director, IB] and Sh. E.N.Ram Mohan [former DG, BSF] having vast experience in the field of security, terrorism, intelligence gathering and behavioral and communication skills, shared their valuable thoughts with the staff of Watch and Ward during the In- house security refresher course. Apart from upgradation of skills in the field of security, efforts were also made to further enhance the overall capabilities of the security personnel with trainings during the year such as Computers, stress management, Yoga, Noting & drafting, Management skills, Behavioral skills, Team Building & Leadership, Peer group discussions and presentation of project reports etc.
For the first time, an officer from Watch and Ward was deputed for overseas training at RIPA, London. The strong conviction of Watch and Ward in providing required exposure of the outside world for general awareness and overall development and persistent persuasion with administration finally culminated in the form of overseas training for officers of Watch and Ward. It was emphasized that such exposure will bring qualitative changes in the attitude and behaviour of an individual towards the security management and functioning in relation to the responsibilities discharged as an officer of Parliament security.
A wide range of other training programmes were also explored in which Watch and Ward officers were nominated for the first time, namely: -
· One officer attended the Post Blast Investigation Course at NSG, Manesar; · Three officers attended the Art Of Living Course at Vyakti Vikas Kendra, Delhi and · One officer attended a course on Record Management at ISTM, Delhi.
Another concept of Security Management of preparation, presentation and discussion of ‘Project reports’ was undertaken during the year. Eight groups, comprising of 3-4 security personnel, were formed and each group was given a topic on relevant aspect of security. After extensive research, compilation and analysis of available data, Project reports were prepared and presentation of seven such reports were made before Secretary General, Additional Secretary, senior officers of the Secretariat, senior officers and staff of security of both the Secretariats. These presentations were made in September, 2004. This concept of knowledge acquisition and sharing helped the security personnel immensely. The ATP wing of Watch and Ward also provided all possible support and help in the preparation of the PowerPoint presentation of the projects.
An inter-active session with the staff in the form of ‘Peer-group discussion’amongst various ranks, on issues relating to:-
i. Role and importance of motivation, morale and discipline in a Security organization; ii. The importance of knowledge upgradation for a security personnel and iii. The importance of inter-personnel communication and problems faced; was also held to understand the ground realities and prepare future strategies.
The training programmes undergone by security personnel during the year 2004 are given in the tabular chart.
[A] Training Programmes with outside Security & other agencies
S. Name of the Trg. Duration of the No. Of No Programme Trg. Participants Programme 1. VIP Sec. Course-30, NSG, 5TH Jan - 14th 1 Manesar Feb. 2. NBDC Conference, NSG, 12th & 13th Feb. 1 Manesar 3. Security Ref. course, CRPF , 16th Feb. - 15th 8 Nanded March. 4. Handling of VIP Security 1st – 5th March 1 equipments, IB Trg. School 5. Bomb Disposal Course, NSG , 15th March.- 24th 1 Manesar Apr. 6. 2nd Induction level training, 31st March– 20th 12 NISA / CISF July 7. Basics in Computer 20th – 24th Sept 1 Applications, NIC , Chandigarh 8. The Art of Living, Vyakti Vikas 27th Sept- 2nd 3 Kendra Oct. 9. 3rd Induction level course, 4th Oct - 19th 15 NISA / CISF, Hy’bad Feb., 05 10. Overseas Training , RIPA / 11th – 22nd Oct. 1 LONDON 11. Computers- Introduction to 19th – 21st Oct. 1 MS Excel, ISTM 12 Handling of VIP Security 25th – 29th Oct. 1 equipments, IB Trg. School 13 3rd NBC Responders course, 25th – 29th Oct 6 DRDE , Gwalior 14 Stress Management, ISTM 25th – 29th Oct. 2 15. Communication skills, ISTM 17th – 19th Nov. 3 16. Computers- Introduction to 16th – 19th Nov. 1 MS Word, ISTM 17. Computers- Introduction to 29th Nov - 2nd 1 MS Word, ISTM Dec. 18. Post Blast Investigation –01, 27th Dec. -14th 1 NSG, Manesar Jan..05 19. Record Management Course, 27th –29th Dec. 1 ISTM TOTAL NO. OF PERSONNEL 61 TRAINED
[B] In House Training Programmes
S.No Name of the Trg. Duration of No. of programme the Trg. Participants programme 1. 2nd In-House Security Refresher 8th – 12th 15 course [1st Batch] March. 2. 2nd In-House Security Refresher 15th – 19th 15 course [2nd Batch] March. 3. Noting & Drafting 22nd – 25th 5 March 4. Marshal capsule course 12th –19th 12 April 5. Fire Prevention & Safety 19th – 20th 6 April. 6. Slide Presentation for 1st June. 7 Identification of MPs. 7. Basics in Computer Applications 21st – 25th 5 June. 8. Communication Course 26th – 27th 8 July. TOTAL NO. OF PERSONNEL 73 TRAINED GRAND TOTAL OF [A] &[B] 134
Comparative chart
In House training Programmes. - 73 Training with other agencies - 61 Total training Programmes - 134
44.8.3 PLANNING :
The Planning cell of the ATP wing of Watch and Ward was entrusted with the task of planning and projecting the future needs and requirements of security in Parliament House, with a defined aim of countering the threats, dangers and coping with future workload through the strategy of planned preparedness.
The Research and Development (R&D) Cell within the Planning cell of the ATP wing circulated the intelligence inputs and some of the required study material to the security personnel. Weekly Intelligence report of the security scenario prevailing worldwide particularly in the South Asian countries / India’s neighboring countries was circulated which facilitated in the preparation of Contingency plans based on the latest modus operandi of the terrorist organizations.
The following plans, policies and proposals through extensive research and threadbare discussions were prepared and submitted: -
· While contemplating to evolve a plan to improve the quality of the official work and promptness in its disposal, it was felt that additional secretarial assistance toofficers and in offices only can ensure quick output of work. The matter was taken up accordingly with the Personnel section for augmentation of secretarial staff. · In order to provide a conducive and healthy working atmosphere and to overcome the paucity of Space in Watch and Ward, a planned proposal to be executed in phases was forwarded to General Administration wing of the secretariat. · In order to streamline the issuance of livery items for Watch and Ward as per requirement based on seasons, a list of the livery items with recommendations was forwarded to General Administration wing. It was done with a belief that such livery items will not only fulfill the functional requirements but will also enhance the pride and self esteem of the end user and motivate them for better performance which in turn would project a positive image of Parliament House to visitors including foreign delegations. · The planning aspect also covered certain basic needs like welfare pertaining to physical well-being, agility and relieving stress for the security personnel for which a gymnasium within the Parliament House complex was proposed and is under serious consideration.
In an endeavor to induce professionalism in the functioning of all the wings, a breakthrough initiative by way of submission of Monthly Report was taken & implemented by the Watch and Ward during the earlier year which is still continuing to ensure that the targets set are achieved in time.
44.9 Sanitation Wing: The sanitation wing having a staff of 51 employees performed their duties under the aegis of Watch and Ward. The basic concept of keeping sanitation wing under the Watch and Ward is key control and ensuring office and document security of secretariat.
The sanitation wing is supervised by the security wing staff. the organizational chart of the sanitation wing is as follow:-
The Sanitation Wing is Supervised by the Security Wing staff
The Sanitation staff were deployed to maintain proper sanitary condition of all rooms, floors & other area under the jurisdiction of Rajya Sabha secretariat in Parliament House complex.
The Sanitation Staff maintained 35 rooms in Parliament House and 77 rooms in Parliament House Annexe apart from corridors, passages, terraces, committee rooms/cabins, sound rooms and toilets etc.
Emphasis was laid on providing a neat, clean, healthy and hygienic working environment to the staff of Rajya Sabha secretariat to enhance overall output. Precautionary measures were taken to prevent outbreak of diseases caused by airborne and waterborne viruses.
For improving the efficiency of the sanitation staff apart from regular sanitary items, vacuum cleaner and spray machine were also procured and provided.
44.10 Fire & Technical Wing: The Fire & Technical wing staff ensured proper maintenance of Fire prevention and safety measures through constant liaison with Fire and Electrical departments. The staff was regularly briefed and given practical demonstration regarding the usage of fire-fighting equipment.
This wing also carried out the verification of character/antecedents of the staff of the secretariat and the casual labourers engaged by the CPWD authorities for maintenance work in Parliament House complex. Similarly, verification was also done in respect of journalists who are issued temporary Press gallery passes and the visitors coming to the Public gallery to witness the proceedings of the House during session period. Verification of character/antecedents of PAs/PSs attached with Hon’ble MPs was also conducted. This wing also took preventive steps in cases of loss of passes; Identity cards & Parking labels to avoid their misuse. 44.11 Distinction: 1} Sh. A.Chakravarty, DD[S] and Sh. D.P.Kapur, S.O were awarded Commendation certificates by Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, for their alertness, vigilance and presence of mind while discharging security duties on 26 July 2004, thereby preventing an entry of unauthorized intruder. 2} Sh. S.S.Singh, SA-I was given commendation certificate by Joint Secretary [Security] for displaying great degree of alertness and presence of mind in detecting a case of impersonation and misuse of Rajya Sabha Public gallery pass on 4 June 2004 and again on 9 December 2004. 3} Sh. A.V.S.Nainar, SA-II was given a certificate of appreciation by Director, NISA, CISF while undergoing Induction Level Training course at National Industrial Security Academy, Hydrabad. 4} Sh. Banwari Lal, SW was given a cash reward of Rs. 150/- for displaying indication of honesty on duty.
44.12 Inspection: Regular internal inspections of Watch and Ward Office were carried out by Director [Security] and senior officers of the rank of JD [S] during which various recommendations and suggestions were given for bringing in continuous improvement in the qualitative output and working conditions of the security staff, overcoming paucity of space and adequate secretarial assistance. Administrative decisions on these subjects are awaited.
Apart from the regular inspections, detailed inspection of all wings within Watch and Ward viz Ops. Wing of PH and PHA, F&T wing, ATP wing and Sanitation wing for the year 2002 was conducted in the month of January, 2004 by Sh. Tapan Chatterjee, Director [HA].
44.13 Perspective Plan: The Watch and Ward would gear up to face the challenges posed by the unseen enemy. In view of the changing complexities of future, greater responsibility needs to be laid on the shoulders of junior leaders than ever before. It is felt that more initiative and leadership qualities has to be exhibited by the junior officers. To achieve this, it would be the endeavor of Watch and Ward office to rationalize the training courses for their effective grooming. The Watch and Ward as a service would also be exploring pre- promotional courses for their officers in all ranks in future to induce professionalism in the functioning at all ranks and all the wings of Watch and Ward.
Encouraged by the success of Training, knowledge acquisition and personality development programmes resulting in improving overall efficiency, the Watch and Ward endeavors to continue with the above mentioned activities in the field of Induction level training, Physical exercises, Stress Management, Peer group discussions and Project preparation and presentation and plans to make them a regular feature every year.
What we have achieved must not lead to any sense of complacency but should promote confidence in our ability to attain yet higher goals in the coming years.
44.14 Summary: The objective projected through the vision and mission statement as dynamic, modern, alert and effective security organization and the mission of optimum security has been achieved. The endeavor is continuing and is perceived to move further towards excellence.