The incident underscores the growing reliance on private security in Mumbai, not just by celebrities but also politicians and business tycoons
Following a knife attack during a burglary at his residence in Mumbai, actor Saif Ali Khan has increased his security arrangements. The actor is now under round-the-clock protection by Mumbai Police and has hired a private security firm that also provides services to Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
The incident underscores the growing reliance on private security in Mumbai, not just by celebrities but also politicians and business tycoons. Maharashtra leads the nation with 7,293 active private security agencies registered under the Union Home Ministry’s PASARA Act, 2005, as of January 28, 2025. Nationwide, there are 26,229 such agencies, with Maharashtra and Gujarat together accounting for 55 per cent. Karnataka ranks third with 4,008 agencies, followed by Uttar Pradesh (3,874) and Rajasthan (3,687).
The industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with approximately 7 to 10 million individuals joining the workforce annually. However, only 20 per cent come through organised, PSAR-compliant training and stay beyond a year. The entry of global players through direct operations and acquisitions is expected to push the share of organised security providers from 35 per cent to nearly 50 per cent by 2026.
Why Private Security Is In Demand
“The government security apparatus is insufficient to provide comprehensive security for both individuals and corporates, creating a pressing need for a robust private security system to supplement government efforts,” noted a 2013 Ministry of Skill Development report prepared by KPMG Advisory Services.
The heightened security requirements in cash management alone have led to the top seven to eight companies controlling 75 to 80 per cent of the market. Additionally, demand for private security employment is spread across sectors, with 41 per cent of guards deployed in the commercial segment and 39 per cent in residential areas. Metropolitan cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune dominate residential demand, accounting for 70 per cent of the market.
Employment Opportunities & Labour Dynamics
India holds a competitive edge in affordable labour, with trained security guards earning a minimum wage of ₹7,500 per month (USD 125). For many youth, particularly from economically weaker backgrounds, private security has become a vital employment source. The Skill Development Ministry’s report highlights that over 85 per cent of the population aged 15 to 19, mostly below the poverty line, has not progressed beyond higher secondary education, limiting their job opportunities.
Regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Assam are key suppliers of manpower. Many security guards come from backgrounds in the armed forces, police, or paramilitary services, while a large pool consists of unemployed youth seeking stable income. Notably, security guards make up over 90 per cent of the sector’s workforce, forming the backbone of the industry.
As urban centres continue to grow and security concerns mount, the demand for private security services is only expected to rise. The industry is evolving to meet these demands, with increasing emphasis on organised training and technological advancements in surveillance and risk management.
