In a major departure from the past political practice, where chief minister and home minister would decide on the protection cover for leaders and officials, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has completely delegated the power to a committee headed by Chief Secretary. The Director General of Police and State Intelligence Commissioner will be the members of the panel that will also decide the categorisation of security-Z, X, Y- to individuals.
A half page note written personally by Fadnavis stated the determination of threat perception is a technical matter based on police assessment and the powers should not be exercised by Home Minister or CM but by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary. This decision will lead to considerable cutting down of staff employed for VIP security.
