Though Mukesh Ambani may have silenced his critics by saying that the security cover for him would be a paid one, but this consideration has given rise to a new debate. Do our industrialists come in the preview of security cover that had originally been formulated for those in Power?
Ministry sources point out that Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd. will have to pay for the Z security cover that is being provided to him. The monthly bill will work out to be around 15 Lakhs.
This pay for your security concept is not new and as per Union Home Ministry if any individual approaches the Union Home Ministry with a threat perception, the application is duly evaluated by security agencies. The same criterion is being adopted in case of Mukesh Ambani and the industrialist will have to pay for the security.
Meanwhile Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has rubbished the claims that it was unwilling or unhappy to provide security cover to Mukesh Ambani. Sources within the police force point out that it goes as per the direction of Government and the question of it not being happy to provide security to an individual does not arise.
Indian Mujahideen, a banned terrorist organization had delivered a letter to Mukesh’s Mumbai office in February. In its letter, the banned organization had threatened to attack his Antilia residence in Mumbai. The letter was assessed by Mumbai police followed by Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the same then recommended 24 hour security cover for Mukesh Ambani.
As per rules, states which use Central paramilitary forces for providing security to their government and private establishments or individuals are liable to pay for the same. The same criterion is being applied in case of Mukesh Ambani and all the voices being raised on the issue are uncalled for.
The same however does not apply to political bigwigs and they enjoy state protection. This can be on account of their being on the radar of radical organizations on account of their being involved in some action against the militants in any part of their political career.
Reliance Industries Ltd. chairman will have to shell out 15 Lakhs per month as he will be protected by over two dozen armed CRPF personnel, 24 hours a day. The security personnel will work on a rotational basis and will accompany Mukesh Ambani, wherever he goes.
Left parties have reacted strongly to the Government notification on Mukesh Ambani’s security. Party sources hint out that the government’s first obligation is to provide the ordinary citizen with a sense of security. Extending the security to India’s richest corporate will not serve any purpose as he can easily afford private security for himself.
CPM’s Lok Sabha MP Basudeb Acharia pointed out that at times when incidents like rape have become a common occurring, extending 24 hour security cover to Mukesh Ambani makes no sense and the government should ensure security of common man who is feeling extremely vulnerable in the present scenario.
A debatable question though, the coming times will see interesting debates on the topic as our central security forces will be seen protecting industrialists around the country. A beginning has been made by Mukesh Ambani and only time will tell what implications will it have on the morale of our paramilitary forces.
