SPG cover only for PM, no other leaders

The move comes days after the government withdrew the SPG protection given to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, almost after three decades. The proposed legislation — the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill — has been listed in the government’s business for next week for introduction in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal announced in the lower house. The Gandhis are now guarded by the ‘Z-plus’ security of the Central Reserve Police Force. Under the ‘Z-plus’ security, they are being protected by CRPF commandos in close proximity, besides guards at their homes and wherever they travel in the country.

As per the SPG Act, the force provides security to the Prime Minister and the members of his immediate family, and any former Prime Minister or to the members of his immediate family for a period of one year from the date on which the incumbent ceases to hold office, and beyond one year based on the level of threat.

According to the proposed amendment, family members of the former PMs would not be entitled to the coveted SPG security cover, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now the only person to be protected by the about-4,000-personnel-strong SPG. Under the rules, SPG protectees are provided with guards, hi-tech vehicles, jammers and an ambulance in their cavalcade.