Bureau of Port Security to be formed for the security of ports and ships, decision taken in Amit Shah's high-level meeting

News Topical, Digital Desk : In view of India's increasing participation in international trade and the important role of sea routes in it, the government has started preparations to strengthen the security of ports and ships. In this regard, a high-level meeting chaired by Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah decided to establish the Bureau of Port Security. It will operate along the lines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Shah was accompanied at the meeting by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. During the meeting, Amit Shah stressed the need to establish a robust security infrastructure for ports across the country, calling the Bureau of Port Security the need of the hour.

Who will be given the responsibility ?

The Bureau of Port Security will be headed by a senior IPS officer, who will be called the Director General. The Director General of Shipping will be assigned the responsibility of Director General of the Bureau of Port Security for the next one year, pending the completion of the appointment, terms of service, and other procedures.

Once fully operational, the Bureau will analyze information related to port and ship security and share it with relevant agencies for further action. The Bureau will also have a separate division dedicated to addressing threats related to water transport and the digital operations of ports, ensuring they are protected from cyberattacks.

With the formation of the Bureau of Port Security, the primary responsibility for port security has been transferred to the CISF, making it the designated agency. This means that CISF will have full responsibility for port security. Currently, a large number of security guards from private security agencies are also deployed at ports.

Will have to get certified from CISF

CISF has been entrusted with the responsibility of training all such security guards. Furthermore, private security agencies deploying such guards will also be required to obtain CISF certification. Rules will be set for private security agencies, and they will have to operate in accordance with these rules.

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