Amit Kumar IPS appointed as OSD- SPG
Shri Amit Kumar IPS (Bihar 1994) presently Special DG- CRPF has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in Special Protection Group by temporarily upgrading one vacant
post in SPG to Level-16. The officer will take over as Director- Special Protection Group
vice Shri Alok Sharma IPS (Uttar Pradesh 1991) on completion of his tenure on 31 .03.2027.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) is India’s premier elite security force entrusted with providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and, under specific legal provisions, to certain former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members. Renowned for its professionalism, rigorous training, and advanced operational capabilities, the SPG plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s highest political leadership against all forms of security threats.
The SPG was established in 1985 following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 31 October 1984. Recognizing the need for a highly specialized force dedicated exclusively to the Prime Minister’s security, the Government of India constituted the Special Protection Group under the Cabinet Secretariat. Initially formed through an executive order, the force later received statutory backing through the Special Protection Group Act, 1988, which laid down its powers, functions, and responsibilities.
Over the years, the SPG Act has undergone several amendments in response to evolving security requirements. Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, the law was amended to extend SPG protection to former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members for specified periods. However, subsequent amendments, including those made in 2019, restricted SPG cover primarily to the serving Prime Minister and members of his or her immediate family residing at the official residence, while former Prime Ministers are provided security based on threat assessments by other agencies.
The SPG functions under the administrative control of the Cabinet Secretariat and is headed by a Director, generally an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) of the rank of Director General or Additional Director General. Officers and personnel are drawn on deputation from various Central Armed Police Forces, state police organizations, and other security agencies. Selection is highly competitive, involving stringent physical fitness standards, psychological evaluation, professional competence, and impeccable service records.
The responsibilities of the SPG extend far beyond physical protection. Its personnel conduct comprehensive advance security liaison, venue sanitization, route planning, intelligence coordination, communication security, and emergency evacuation planning. Before every official engagement of the Prime Minister, SPG teams coordinate with local police, intelligence agencies, district administration, and other stakeholders to ensure that every aspect of security is meticulously planned and executed.
Training forms the backbone of the SPG’s operational excellence. Personnel undergo continuous instruction in close-quarter combat, advanced firearms handling, anti-sabotage techniques, counter-assault operations, unarmed combat, defensive driving, tactical medicine, and crisis response. They are also trained in the use of sophisticated surveillance equipment, secure communications, and modern protective technologies. Regular simulation exercises prepare them to respond effectively to diverse threat scenarios.
Technology plays a vital role in SPG operations. The force employs advanced communication systems, bullet-resistant vehicles, electronic surveillance devices, bomb detection equipment, and state-of-the-art protective gear. Coordination with intelligence agencies enables the SPG to assess emerging threats and implement preventive measures well before any public engagement or official visit.
The SPG is widely recognized for its discreet yet highly efficient operational style. While maintaining a low public profile, its personnel remain constantly vigilant, ensuring seamless movement and protection of the Prime Minister both within India and during overseas visits. Their professionalism has earned the organization a reputation as one of the world’s most capable VIP protection units.
Given the dynamic security environment, the SPG continually updates its operational procedures, training methods, and technological capabilities. The organization adapts to new forms of threats, including those arising from advances in technology and changing geopolitical conditions. Continuous modernization ensures that it remains prepared to address contemporary security challenges.
In essence, the Special Protection Group represents the highest standards of protective security in India. Through meticulous planning, specialized training, advanced technology, and unwavering dedication, the SPG ensures the safety of the nation’s highest executive office. Its role is indispensable in preserving the continuity of democratic governance by enabling the Prime Minister to perform official duties with confidence and security.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Shri Amit Kumar the very best.