At the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) main office, visitors often encounter bouncers wearing black uniforms. Soon, people will see armed security personnel as the civic body. The AMC initiated plans to engage 50 armed personnel from a private security firm to protect its properties, top officials, and VIPs.
The AMC recently issued a Rs 40 crore tender to hire 2,200 security guards, 200 bouncers, and 50 armed guards. This marks the first instance of AMC seeking gunmen with armed licences and ex-army backgrounds from a private security firm.
The AMC’s main office currently deploys security guards and fire personnel at its headquarters. VIP security, including that of the mayor, includes fire personnel with private security guards. The main office maintains both bouncers and security guards.
The AMC’s Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) vehicles, which impound stray cattle, are accompanied by an inspector, constables, and bouncers. For demolishing illegal structures, two state reserve police (SRP) companies assist estate department teams, with additional police security available upon request. The tendering process for the armed security personnel faced delays for over a year due to pressure from security manpower suppliers.
In January 2024, AMC issued a tender for 2,000 security guards and 100 bouncers. Requirements included physical fitness, proficiency in Hindi and Gujarati languages, and the security agency needed a minimum annual turnover of Rs 3 crore for the past three financial years.
Following disputes, the tender was withdrawn. A new tender floated in Dec 2024 increased the requirements to 2,200 security guards, 50 gunmen, and 200 bouncers. Security guards must be at least SSC-pass, and agencies must have a Rs 6 crore annual turnover over three years. This five-year tender is worth Rs 200 crore.
As per AMC’s minimum wage structure, hiring 2,200 security guards will cost Rs 2.98 crore monthly, which amounts to Rs 35.79 crore annually. The wage bill for 200 bouncers will amount to Rs 28.40 lakh per month and Rs 3.41 crore annually. Hiring 50 gunmen would cost Rs 7.11 lakh per month, with annual expenses amounting to Rs 85.32 lakh.
Major Security Overhaul
– The annual cost for security guards and bouncers for the protection of AMC’s buildings, plots, and other premises is now estimated to increase to Rs 40 crore annually from current Rs 30-32 crore.
– The qualifications for security agencies and guards have been revised. Previously, knowledge of Gujarati and Hindi was mandatory, but now a passing Class 10 is sufficient for security guards
– There is a discrepancy between the minimum wages for security guards, bouncers, and gunmen in the tenders issued by the AMC
– The AMC sets the minimum daily wage for security guards at Rs 452 and for gunmen and bouncers at Rs 474. The Nov tender had quoted Rs 487 daily wage for security guards and Rs 509 for bouncers
– The civic body has decided to deploy more security guards at various buildings and hospitals, including VS Hospital, Shardaben Hospital, LG Hospital, and medical colleges.
