The Special Protection Group (SPG) is “an armed force of the Union for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Minister of India and members of their immediate families wherever they are.” It was formed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India.
The SPG protects the PM by forming multiple security rings around him. The members of the innermost ring have the sole mission of getting the PM to safety in case of an attack. The SPG Counter Assault Team usually form the second level. They are tasked with providing covering firepower to allow enough time for PM to get to safety.
Besides the main assault team that you see here, they may also be supported by a third cordon which include NSG, IAF and local forces for perimeter and aerospace safety.
Having Motto Of ” Bravery, Dedication, Security”( शौर्यम् समर्पणम् सुरक्षणम) it was formed on 2 June 1988.The “general superintendence, direction and control” of the SPG is exercised by, the Central Government. The head of the force, called a Director, who is responsible for “the command and supervision” of the force. The director of the SPG since its inception has been an officer from the Indian Police service. Personnel of the Special Protection Group are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces and Railway Protection Force, but the officers are from the IPS or officers of the RPF.
How are Members of SPG Selected?
Just like the SSB, the selection has PI, Psych and Physical tests. The first stage of the selection process is a personal interview conducted by an IPS officer of the rank of IG (Inspector General), two deputy IGs and two assistant IGs. After the interview, a physical exam, a written test and a psychological evaluation is held.
Training:
The candidates are kept on a probation for three months that includes a weekly test. Those who fail in the probation are given another chance in the next batch and if they still can not clear it, then they are returned to the parent unit. SPG members are rotated regularly from one duty to another.
Eligibility Criteria:-
- The candidate should be a citizen of India.
- Passed 12th standard from a recognized board.
- The age of the candidate should not be more than 35 years.
- Serving member of IPS, BSF, ITBP and CRPF.
- Allowance of SPG members are 50% of their basic pay. Members in the administrative section get a hike of 25%.