New Delhi: Social media is abuzz with discussions over a photo showing a woman Special Protection Group (SPG) commando behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The photo posted on November 27 has gone viral since then. Many users, including Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, has shared the photo.
Some have commented that this was the first time a female commando has been part of the PM’s security, while some others claimed that the woman commando was previously seen as part of President Droupadi Murmu security. Seven years back, similar debate raged after a video showed a woman commando in PM Modi’s security.
Woman Commando in PM’s SPG!
From Agniveer to Fighter pilots, from Combat Positions to Commando in Prime Minister’s SPG, the participation of women in the armed forces has increased significantly and women are leading from the front.
More power to women. Thank you PM… pic.twitter.com/TUxae0QIzm
— Dr Sudhakar K (@DrSudhakar_) November 28, 2024
Women commandos have been part of the group’s security framework for years, according to sources. In the beginning, women in the SPG were mostly given advanced deployment tasks. The photo of the woman SPG commando behind PM is reportedly from Parliament, where female SPG commandos are assigned duty .
These female commandos are usually stationed at the gates to check female visitors and monitor those entering or exiting the premises. Besides, when a woman guest meets the Prime Minister, women SPG officers handle security checks, provide escort services, and ensure smooth access to the Prime Minister.
It’s since 2015 that women have also been included in the Close Protection Team (CPT) of the SPG. During the Prime Minister’s foreign visits, women SPG commandos are part of the security detail of the PM, assisting with advanced security coordination and providing support to security operations abroad. Currently, the SPG has around 100 women commandos. These commandos serve in both close protection roles and in advanced security coordination capacities.
Why was SPG formed?
The SPG was set up in 1985 with an aim to provide close security to the Prime Minister, former prime ministers, and their immediate families. These officers are imparted training in leadership, close protection skills and professionalism. Over the years, the SPG has implemented innovative strategies to boost the security of those it is supposed to protect. The SPG works very closely with the Intelligence Bureau, and state and Union Territory police forces, to enhance the overall security protocols.
