BJP today expressed concern over the government's move to allow 100 per cent FDI in private security agencies, saying this would have serious implications as such bodies are now involved in securing key institutions like DRDO, CSIR, ports, refineries and airports.
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi told reporters that he has written letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to demand that this step should not be taken.
Joshi noted with disappointment that Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who was apprised of the repurcussions of allowing 100 per cent FDI in security agencies when he had held the Home portfolio, has asked the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to implement the Mayaram Committee recommendation for this change.
"The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 clearly stipulates majority Indian ownership and control as a precondition for issue of license to operate private security business in the country," Joshi said.
BJP demanded if changes are to be made to increase the FDI cap from the present 49 per cent, then it should be done after debate and voting in Parliament.
"Over 50 Lakh private security personnel across the country are engaged in watch and ward function at thousands of establishments including sites of strategic significance like CSIR labs, DRDO complexes, private ports, oil refineries, power projects, gas pipeline, airports, IITs, IIMs and even monuments like Red Fort and Qutub Minar," Joshi said.
The party also pointed out that since some of the foreign security agencies have also sought permission for use of sophisticated weapons by their guards, this could pose a danger to internal security.
Joshi said cases of phone-tapping by private detective agencies, use of uniforms by them which closely resemble police uniform and involvement of some rogue elements in such organisations are a cause for concern.