Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brainchild, Raksha Shakti University (RSU) of Gujarat, is set to define a training module for commandos of elite security units like the Special Protection Group (SPG). The SPG protects the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their family members. This training will commence shortly, under the central government’s skill development programme.
According to senior police officials, after a meeting between the PMO and high-ranking officials of the internal security department of the ministry of home affairs, a team headed by inspector general (IG) of SPG Vivek Srivastav and additional inspector general (AIG) of SPG A K Chakravarty came to Gujarat recently to discuss the details.
“SPG and RSU are joining hands shortly to prepare a curriculum for SPG officers and personnel as well as other security agencies which protect VVIPs. The curriculum will include physical and theoretical training,” said RSU director general Vikas Sahay.
RSU officials said they will soon write to central agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to send officers who have been deputed to the SPG earlier, to serve as trainers, said Sahay.
RSU officials said the training will be carried out at the Police Training Academy at Karai in Gandhinagar. “Earlier, the SPG trained its own cadre. Once the curriculum is formed, they will be trained by RSU,” Sahay added. Sahay said that along with serving police officers, the curriculum will also be of use to private security agencies which can help the administration protect dignitaries and installations that do not have government security cover.
