Govt to enact new legislation for security at public places

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Mumbai, Aug 4 (UNI) Maharashtra Government will soon enact new legislation which provides for stringent security measures at public places like multiplexes, theatres and shopping malls in Mumbai.

This was announced by State Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil at a meeting convened by Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy here this morning.

On the occasion, Additional Commissioner of Police (protection and security) Surendra Kumar made a presentation which depicted loopholes in the present security arrangements in shopping malls and multiplexes and called upon the proprietors to correct the same at the earliest.

Mr Roy said, in view of the security challenges post the serial train blasts in the metropolis last month, the need of the hour is to strengthen and upgrade security measures at public places like theatres and malls, which attract large crowd.

Owners and representatives of about 55 multiplexes and theatres and shopping malls were present at the meeting, besides Additional Chief Secretary (home) A P Sinha and other senior IPS officials.

Mr Patil said the provisions in the proposed legislation would ensure that security be an integral part of the construction and design of proposed building which will house multiplexes, theatres and malls. If the owner overlooks the security aspect, the no-objection certificate and license will not be granted by the police department.

He said he would urge the Centre to waive-off custom duty on security gadgets like door frame metal detectors, CCTVs, hand metal detectors, X-ray machines, ballard flaps and barrier rated gates.

Mr Patil also appealed to proprietors of existing entertainment hubs to rectify loopholes in their existing security apparatus, in wake of the blasts and possible threats to public places.

A special cell of Mumbai police will be created to assist the management of these hubs with suggestions and guidance in putting the upgraded security system in place. The assistance can be availed not only by malls, multiplexes and theatre owners, but any organisation or building for enhancement of security systems, Mr Patil said.

The proprietors would be allowed to levy security charges and the Government in-turn will not tax with additional charges, he added.

Former Mumbai Sheriff Kiran Shantaram, who is the proprietor of Plaza cinema in Dadar, assured that he would upgrade the security at his premises in 15 days. The representatives of Marathi Natya Parishad said they would not be able to afford the costs of security sytems and appealed to the police to provide them protection.

UNI MR GK RL HT1502

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