Maha govt to reduce security cover to VIPs

Mumbai, Jul 7: The Maharashtra Government has decided to reduce police cover provided to VIPs including politicians and filmstars by 40 per cent. The Home department will soon revise norms for providing security to individuals and the new guidelines would see security cover for VIPs slashed by 40 per cent.

The decision was taken at a meeting of Home department chaired by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday. According to officials, Chavan stressed that security be retained only for those individuals who face real threat to their lives.

There are over 800 police personnel deputed on VIP security duty. Hence forth, security will be provided only after objective assessment of threat perception. At present, security cover is provided to 80-85 VIPs in the state.

PTI