Private security needs a policy guard

: Security companies are going on an overdrive to modernise and expand. While the Rs 1,500 crore Delhi-based Security and Intelligence Services (SIS) has embarked on a Rs 50-crore expansion plan, global security company Securitas has opened six training centres in Bangalore. Integrated security solutions provider Group4Securicore India (G4S) has acquired another security agency, Terra Force and is now conducting pilot run of its new offerings.

Even the Central Association for Private Security Industry (CAPSI) is focussing on training to create a force equipped with specialised skills to deal with emergency situations. Industry experts expect such developments to catalyse the growth of the Rs 10,000-crore private security business. The industry has been logging a growth rate of 25% year on year for the last five years.

Says Rituraj Sinha, chief operating officer, SIS, “The business is on an upswing. We are planning to start a Rs 50-crore expansion plan from Delhi and then spread to Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bangalore.” Starting next quarter, the company will begin setting up cash procuring centres to provide services like cash collection, counting, sorting and counterfeit verification.

The company has also inked a memorandum of understanding with the government for training and placement of rural youth under its Swarn Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojna, which is a scheme to provide gainful employment in urban areas. Says Rituraj Sinha, “During the next two years, 21,500 youth will be identified, trained and certified in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Open University. Almost 50-60% of them will be absorbed by us and the rest will be assisted in procuring jobs from outside.”

Securitas, which started India operations last year, is building resources to tap the growth potential in the industry. Says Harsh Vardhan, chief operating officer, Securitas, “Our investment is largely focussed on training and recruitment. We have opened six training centres in Bangalore for equipping our manpower with skills in specialised guarding, executive protection, and transport security. Also, depending on the needs of the current and future clients, we will keep investing in security technology.” Securitas has a presence in 38 countries.

G4S India has recently acquired Terra Force, which provided security services predominantly to DLF Properties. Says Rupal Sinha, regional managing director, G4S India, “We have also lined up new products and services to be launched next year. As of now, we are conducting pilot run of our offerings. Depending on the response, these products will be launched in the...