Currently, the AMC deploys security guards and fire personnel at its main office, with bouncers providing additional support
Visitors to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) headquarters are accustomed to seeing bouncers in black uniforms. Soon, the civic body will introduce armed personnel to enhance security for its properties, officials, and VIPs. The AMC has floated a tender worth ₹40 crore to engage 2,200 security guards, 200 bouncers, and 50 armed gunmen.
This marks the first time the AMC is seeking gunmen with arms licences and an ex-military background from private security agencies. The overhaul reflects AMC’s intent to address growing security concerns across its buildings and premises.
Expanding Security Workforce
Currently, the AMC deploys security guards and fire personnel at its main office, with bouncers providing additional support. The Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD) utilises bouncers and police personnel for operations such as impounding stray cattle and demolishing illegal structures.
The new tender significantly increases the AMC’s security requirements. Under the updated terms, security agencies must demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of ₹6 crore for the past three financial years, up from the previous RS 3 crore.
Revised Wage & Qualification Norms
According to AMC’s minimum wage structure, security guards are paid RS 452 daily, while gunmen and bouncers receive RS 474. The revised tender, however, proposes a daily wage of RS 487 for guards and RS 509 for bouncers, highlighting discrepancies between the minimum wages stipulated.
Qualifications for security personnel have also been revised. While earlier tenders required fluency in Gujarati and Hindi, the latest requirements mandate a minimum education level of Class 10.
Budget Implications
The expanded workforce will increase AMC’s annual security expenditure to RS 40 crore, up from the current RS 30–32 crore. Monthly costs for hiring 2,200 security guards are estimated at Rs 2.98 crore, amounting to RS 35.79 crore annually. Similarly, employing 200 bouncers will cost RS 3.41 crore per year, while 50 gunmen will add RS 85.32 lakh to the wage bill.
Key Deployments
The AMC plans to strengthen security across its key properties, including hospitals such as VS Hospital, Shardaben Hospital, LG Hospital, and medical colleges. This measure aims to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors while addressing operational vulnerabilities.
Challenges & Delays
The tendering process faced delays of over a year due to pressure from manpower suppliers and disputes over wage structures. Earlier, a tender issued in January 2024 was withdrawn after disagreements, leading to a revised proposal in December 2024.
By integrating armed guards and streamlining workforce qualifications, the AMC is taking significant steps to modernise its security apparatus. However, addressing discrepancies in wages and ensuring timely implementation remain critical for the success of this initiative.