The Goa state cabinet has approved the Goa Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Rules, 2022. These rules have been framed in consonance with the Private Security Agencies Central Model Rules, 2020. There are around 47 private security agencies operating in the state and the new rules will help regulate private security agencies in the state.
“The proposed Goa Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Rules, 2022, elaborate the entire procedure of applying for Private Security Agency licence and regulating the registered agencies. The procedure for applying for a new licence/renewal of an existing licence is processed online through the PSARA portal developed by NIC,” the cabinet note said.
The rules said that before any person is employed as a security guard or supervisor, the agency shall satisfy itself about the antecedents of the person. As far as security training is concerned, the controlling authority will have to frame the detailed syllabus for training the security guards in accordance with the National Skill Qualification Framework. For entry-level, this training shall be for a minimum period of 100 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of field training spread over at least 20 working days.
Ex-serviceman and former police personnel shall however be required to attend a condensed course only, of minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of field training spread over at least seven working days. Private Security Agencies are business establishments formed with the purpose of offering security services to businesses in various sectors, including banking, information technology, finance, industries, etc.
The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, was introduced to establish a certain standard of professionalism in the field of security services and provided for the regulation of private security agencies.
These agencies cannot legally exist unless they obtain the licence to work in the state.
The Goa government formulated Goa Private Security Agencies Rules, 2008, in accordance with the Central Model Rules, 2006, for regulation of the security agencies.
The cabinet note said that now the ministry of home affairs, government of India, has directed all states to adopt Central Model Rules, 2020, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 25 of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005.
