Currently, one needs to know nothing more than making illegible entries in the guest books to become a security guard. But soon the scene may change and one may have to undergo a six-month mandatory training before he could wear a guard’s uniform.
The Security Knowledge and Skill Development Council, functioning directly under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office has framed a National Occupational Standards (NOC) for the private security agencies sector. The NOC apart from barring physically unfit persons, will also make vigorous training mandatory for every security guard. “The framing of the NOC has been completed and it will soon be implemented strictly. Under this, a person must take 160-days training in various aspects relating to security,” says Kunwar Vikram Singh, chairman of Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI).
The council has called for a meeting of controlling authorities of the security agencies from all the States next month when the State Governments will be directed to implement the newly drafted NOC. “The curriculum for training will be framed by the council. Training centres which comply with the curriculum will be accredited and a person must undergo training in such centres to get qualified as a security guard,” says Singh.
Only persons within certain age limit could undergo the training and subsequently get employed as a guard. The CAPSI has also proposed to the Union Labour and Employment Ministry to set up a Wage Board for the industry to ensure that decent salary is paid to the private security guards.
“The State Labour Departments have completely failed in ensuring that the guards get at least basic employment ben efits. So we have requested that a Wage Board must be constituted. The Ministry had responded positively and has asked us to send a detailed proposal,” says Singh.