General Upendra Dwivedi Calls for Empowering Private Security Sector with Modern Technology and Training

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi underscored the critical role of the private security sector in bolstering the nation’s internal security. Speaking at the 21st Annual Security Leadership Summit organized by the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, he emphasized that private security personnel serve as the first line of defense and a significant human sensor network for the country.General Dwivedi advocated for the advancement of the private security sector through modern technology, enhanced training, professional efficiency, and respect. He introduced a vision for the future of private security, termed ‘Private Security 2.0,’ highlighting three key principles: pride, efficiency, and partnership. According to CAPSI, over one million individuals are employed in the private security sector through more than 35,000 agencies across the country.This workforce surpasses the total number of police and central armed forces combined. Private security personnel play a vital role in safeguarding critical institutions such as power plants, coal mines, industrial facilities, hospitals, ports, and data centers. He stressed the importance of regular training, skills-based certification, and better salaries for security personnel. General Dwivedi welcomed initiatives to recognize qualifications based on work experience and the development of new professional identities, such as guarding officers.He urged security agencies to ensure that employees receive salaries through banks and have access to benefits like provident funds, insurance, and accident coverage. Training for security personnel should include identifying suspicious activities, reporting promptly, and taking effective action when necessary. Skills in first aid, firefighting, disaster management, and addressing drone-related threats are also essential. Emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology, he noted that while machines can assist in surveillance and information gathering, the final decisions should rest with trained individuals.He called for improved coordination among private security agencies, police, fire services, civil defense, and the general public. General Dwivedi highlighted that giving respect to security personnel is a societal responsibility, advocating for fair wages, serious training, and ongoing respect for their contributions. At the summit, Sunil Kumar Jha, Director General of Civil Defense and Home Guards, mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized modernizing civil defense, a goal that can be easily achieved with the cooperation of the private security sector.He noted that if private security personnel voluntarily register as civil defense volunteers, it would significantly enhance internal security. CAPSI Chairman Kunwar Vikram Singh revealed that the central government has accepted the proposal to recognize private security guards as guarding officers in the future, aiming to provide social respect to this workforce of one million. He also announced a collaboration between the National Defense University in Gujarat and CAPSI, which will offer modern technology training to private security personnel.Former Lieutenant General A.B. Shivane, former Additional Secretary of the Home Ministry Bhagwan Shankar, and former Director General of Gujarat Police Anil Pratham also elaborated on the contributions of the private security sector to national internal security.