NEW DELHI: A contingent of 140 CISF personnel has been strategically stationed across the Parliament premises, in a move to enhance security in the complex. This initiative is part of a comprehensive security overhaul preceding the Budget Session scheduled to commence on Jan 31.
Government sources have indicated that the primary responsibility of the deployed CISF personnel is to frisk visitors to the new Parliament building and scrutinise their belongings.
The decision to deploy CISF follows a recent security breach during the Winter Session on Dec 13, 2023. Two individuals leaped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors gallery, creating chaos by releasing yellow-coloured smoke from canisters. MPs present in the House subdued the trespassers, who were subsequently arrested.
Following the breach, the home ministry conducted a security review of the Parliament premises and sacntioned the deployment of CISF personnel, who are currently taking familiarisation training at the complex.
The security enhancements extend to encompass both the new and old Parliament complexes, along with associated buildings. This comprehensive security cover will be a collaborative effort, integrating elements from the Parliament Security Service (PSS), Delhi Police, and the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of CRPF.
On Tuesday, the acting joint secretary (security) of Parliament House noted with concern that despite repeated instructions, certain officials have not been complying with the stated protocol. Consequently, the Parliament staff has been cautioned against engaging in prohibited activities, specifically emphasising the ban on taking pictures and making videos within the Parliament House complex.