The Full Form of SPG is the Special Protection Group. The SPG is a governmental agency under the Cabinet Secretariat, in India established through the Special Protection Group Act of 1988. SPG’s mission is to protect the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family. Additionally, this protection extends both within the country and during international travels. In the past, the SPG’s mandate included the protection of the PM’s immediate family anywhere in India throughout their term and for a five-year period after leaving office. However, the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act of 2019 revised this ruling. As of now, PM Narendra Modi is the sole individual under the protection of the SPG.
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What is the History of SPG?
In October 1981, a Special Task Force (STF) was established by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to oversee road escorts as well as transportation security for the PM during journeys in and out of New Delhi.
After the tragic assassination of PM Indira Gandhi by two of her Delhi Police security personnel in October 1984, a Committee of Secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a thorough review. Consequently, in light of the security breach, it was decided that the protection of the PM should be assigned to an exclusive unit directly under the control of the STF. Furthermore, this measure aimed to make sure of the PM’s continuous and immediate security.
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What is the Amendment made to the Special Protection Group Act of 2019?
On the 27th of November 2019, the Parliament of India approved the Amendment related to the Special Protection Group Amendment Act, 2019.
- This amendment restricted SPG coverage only to the PM and immediate family members living with the PM at the official residence.
- According to the modified legislation, former PMs can receive an extension of SPG protection for up to five years after leaving office but only after a threat assessment conducted by the Intelligence Bureau.
- The Indian National Congress opposed the bill stating concerns that the Gandhi family might be at risk without SPG protection.
- After the enactment of the amendment, the former PM Manmohan Singh, Heeraben Modi, and Jashodaben Modi lost their SPG protection.
- However, the Ministry of Home Affairs assigned them varying levels of security which ranges from Z+ to Y.
- Thus, the bill narrowed down the SPG’s legal protectees to only include PM Modi.
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