Commandos from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have long advocated for this allowance
In a move recognising the critical responsibilities of VIP security commandos within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Union government has approved a 20 per cent Special Security Allowance (SSA) for personnel providing Z Plus and Z Plus (Advanced Security Liaison) category protection.
The decision, announced by the Union Finance Ministry’s Department of Expenditure, follows a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The allowance aims to compensate commandos tasked with high-risk duties comparable to those undertaken by elite forces like the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the National Security Guard (NSG), who already receive similar allowances.
Exclusion of Lower-Level Security Details
However, the SSA will not extend to personnel assigned to VIPs under lower security levels, such as Z, Y+, Y, and X categories. This distinction underscores the heightened operational demands associated with Z Plus security protocols, which involve safeguarding high-profile individuals under potential threats.
Advocacy for Allowance
Commandos from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have long advocated for this allowance. They argued that their tasks require constant vigilance, strategic acumen, and readiness to neutralise threats—factors that align closely with the specialised responsibilities of SPG and NSG operatives.
A senior CRPF official welcomed the decision, stating, “This acknowledgment of our role and responsibilities boosts morale. The allowance not only recognises the demanding nature of our duties but also underscores the government’s support for our mission to protect some of the country’s most prominent figures.”
Demanding Duties
Z Plus security commandos often work in high-pressure environments, involving extensive travel, long hours, and advanced threat assessment. Their responsibilities include close-quarter protection, route sanitisation, and securing venues for VIP appearances.
The new allowance reflects the government’s recognition of these challenges and aims to bring parity between CAPF personnel and other elite units in terms of financial compensation.
The approval of the SSA is expected to bolster the commitment of CAPF commandos and reinforce the government’s efforts to maintain robust security measures for the nation’s key individuals.