Delhi Assembly Speaker reviews security on eve of Monsoon Session
New Delhi, Aug 6
On the eve of Delhi Legislative Assembly's Monsoon Session, Speaker Vijender Gupta reviewed the security and logistical arrangements to ensure the safe, secure and orderly conduct of the proceedings of the House.
During the high-level security review meeting, attended by Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Devesh Shrivastava, the Speaker was informed that nearly 130 security personnel, including personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force, will be deployed on Session duty to provide a comprehensive multi-layered security cover throughout the Monsoon Session.
The Delhi Police also conducted a mock drill at the Assembly premises to assess operational preparedness, emergency response capability and readiness to respond to any exigency.
Apart from senior police officers, the meeting was attended by representatives of the CRPF, Delhi Fire Services, Bomb Disposal Squad, Detective Unit, Special Staff, SWAT, local police, ambulance services, and officials of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
During the meeting, it was also agreed that view cutters would be installed along the periphery of the Delhi Assembly complex to strengthen security and prevent unauthorised visual access to the premises.
It was further agreed that an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) level officer would be permanently stationed at the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
A dedicated office for Delhi Police personnel will also be established within the Assembly complex to facilitate continuous supervision, strengthen coordination among security agencies, and ensure a swift response to any security-related contingency.
Security arrangements at the Assembly have been significantly strengthened ahead of the Monsoon Session. Hydraulic road blockers are being installed at all entry gates, access control measures are being upgraded, and an enhanced on-ground security mechanism is being put in place, said an official.
A Quick Response Team of the CRPF has already been deployed to ensure immediate response in the event of any exigency. Under the revised access protocol, entry to the Assembly premises will be permitted only through Gate No. 1. At the same time, the remaining gates will remain restricted to regulate movement and reinforce perimeter security, said the official.
Earlier, the Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly decided that three Bills relating to the time-bound delivery of public services, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and bed-and-breakfast establishments will be introduced during the Sixth Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, scheduled from August 7 to 11.
Two reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and a notification concerning the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission will also be laid on the table of the House during the session.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, some sensible security upgrades! The hydraulic road blockers and restricted entry through one gate only make sense. Last time during the budget session there were some chaotic scenes outside, so this is a welcome change. 👏
Security is important, no doubt. But I hope the Speaker also focuses on ensuring productive discussions inside the House. Last few sessions were nothing but chaos and walkouts. What's the point of all this security if the actual governance gets stalled?
The CAG reports and the new bills on public services delivery sound promising. Security arrangements are thorough, but I'm more interested in seeing whether these bills actually get passed and implemented. Delhi citizens deserve better public services, especially the shelter board reforms.
Good arrangements, but I'm slightly concerned about the "view cutters" — are we hiding something from the public? Transparency is key in a democracy. Otherwise, the security upgrades are fine, as long as they don't impede legitimate access for journalists and citizens.
As a resident of Delhi, I appreciate the comprehensive security measures. The permanent ACP posting and dedicated police office in the Assembly complex will ensure better coordination. These are necessary steps given the sensitivities of the capital. 👍
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.