NEW DELHI: Security at Indian airports is all set to move to the next level by becoming less obtrusive and more high-tech. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel could be relieved from checking ticket details & matching them with photo I cards at terminal entry to allow passenger access — something that can be done by private agency guards — so that the former can focus completely on keeping airports secure.And the exhaustive upto eight-hour shifts that most personnel perform at airports could be reduced to ensure a fully alert watch.
Govt sources say the Union home ministry had some time back set up a committee under recently retired IPS officer M A Ganapathy, an expert in aviation security, to study the existing security setup at airports and recommend changes. They add the committee has submitted its recommendations to the Govt which, if accepted and implemented, will lead to less visible but more effective security at airports.
At present uniformed personnel in large numbers are deployed at terminals. The panel is learnt to have sought a mix of uniformed and plain clothes security personnel as that would reduce the unease among general public and at the same time enhance security. Airport security, the report is learnt to have stressed, must be inconspicuously foolproof.
Govt sources say the committee is not in favour with continuing the long duration (upto eight-hour) shifts of security personnel as that leads to fatigue and less alertness, apart from negatively impacting their health. It has recommended shorter periods of duty to ensure more alert personnel who are the first responders in any crisis and have to hold fort till backup reaches the location. The committee has also recommended sufficient deployment of personnel — armed with night vision devices and thermal sights — along perimeter wall and land side (the terminal entry point side).
The report is learnt to have suggested doing away with multiple tasks that security personnel are assigned with — like checking ticket details and matching them with passengers’ I cards to allow them terminal entry. It reportedly points out security personnel should specialise in one task to manage at a time to avoid distractions. Taking away the task of checking tickets and I cards will free up personnel for providing security cover at terminal entry points.
Most importantly, the report has recommended setting up of a dedicated airport security group for all airports in the country comprising of personnel from CISF and state police forces. The report has called for ensuring work-life balance and better facilities, including accommodation, for personnel. And it has suggested holding annual validation tests to check the skill set of personnel deployed at airports and taking off duty those who fail from the same.
Govt sources say the report is under consideration and will be implemented after consultation with all stakeholders.
Govt sources say the Union home ministry had some time back set up a committee under recently retired IPS officer M A Ganapathy, an expert in aviation security, to study the existing security setup at airports and recommend changes. They add the committee has submitted its recommendations to the Govt which, if accepted and implemented, will lead to less visible but more effective security at airports.
At present uniformed personnel in large numbers are deployed at terminals. The panel is learnt to have sought a mix of uniformed and plain clothes security personnel as that would reduce the unease among general public and at the same time enhance security. Airport security, the report is learnt to have stressed, must be inconspicuously foolproof.
Govt sources say the committee is not in favour with continuing the long duration (upto eight-hour) shifts of security personnel as that leads to fatigue and less alertness, apart from negatively impacting their health. It has recommended shorter periods of duty to ensure more alert personnel who are the first responders in any crisis and have to hold fort till backup reaches the location. The committee has also recommended sufficient deployment of personnel — armed with night vision devices and thermal sights — along perimeter wall and land side (the terminal entry point side).
The report is learnt to have suggested doing away with multiple tasks that security personnel are assigned with — like checking ticket details and matching them with passengers’ I cards to allow them terminal entry. It reportedly points out security personnel should specialise in one task to manage at a time to avoid distractions. Taking away the task of checking tickets and I cards will free up personnel for providing security cover at terminal entry points.
Most importantly, the report has recommended setting up of a dedicated airport security group for all airports in the country comprising of personnel from CISF and state police forces. The report has called for ensuring work-life balance and better facilities, including accommodation, for personnel. And it has suggested holding annual validation tests to check the skill set of personnel deployed at airports and taking off duty those who fail from the same.
Govt sources say the report is under consideration and will be implemented after consultation with all stakeholders.