After Security Review, MHA Withdraws Cover for 19 Ex-Union Ministers, Retains Protection for Smriti Irani

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered the Delhi Police to withdraw security protection from 19 former Ministers of State (MoS) who continued to receive it after the conclusion of their tenure. The decision was taken following an audit conducted by the Delhi Police’s security unit, which revealed that several senior politicians were still receiving security despite their terms having ended. In many cases, security reviews had not been conducted for a long time.

The list of individuals whose security was withdrawn includes former MoS in various ministries, such as Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), Birender Singh (Steel), Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan (Communications), Jasvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor (Tribal Affairs), and Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (External Affairs and Education). The audit also found that some Members of Parliament and senior judges had security cover, with some judges retaining their protection.

Under existing rules, security cover for individuals is provided based on their position or threat assessment and must be reviewed when their tenure ends. The MHA found that these reviews had not been done for some individuals, prompting the withdrawal of security for former MoS, as well as Members of Parliament and judges.

While the security for these former MoS has been removed, the protection for former Army chief General V.K. Singh and MoS Ajay Bhatt has been retained. Additionally, BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani’s security cover has been extended for six more months.

As per the standard security protocol, former MoS were assigned three Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and four police personnel stationed at their residences. The decision to withdraw or extend security cover is determined by the MHA, based on inputs from intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Security cover is also determined by the positions held by individuals within the government.

The MHA's decision highlights the importance of regularly reviewing the security status of individuals who no longer hold official positions, ensuring that security resources are allocated appropriately based on current risks and assessments. The security measures are not only designed to protect high-ranking officials and politicians but also to prevent misuse of government resources.

The final list of 19 former MoS who lost their security protection includes several BJP members, such as Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Birender Singh, Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, and Jasvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor. However, the government’s decision to retain security for some politicians, such as Smriti Irani, despite the completion of her tenure as a Union Minister, reflects the MHA's ongoing assessment of threat levels and the necessity of providing protection to individuals based on evolving security circumstances.

This move comes amid rising concerns over security protocols and the efficient use of resources in a time of increasing threats and risks faced by public figures in India.