Maharashtra downsizes security cover for MLAs: Who decides it and how?

It is common for new governments to reduce the security of outgoing ministers or MLAs from the previous ruling party

Several MLAs in Maharashtra saw their security cover downgraded recently. The state police routinely assess the threat levels of key personalities and allocate security accordingly, based on intelligence inputs.

Let’s take a look at the criteria the state uses to decide who gets security and what level of protection they receive –

Identifying individuals who face threats, either personally or due to their positions, is the initial step. Politicians, actors, and other public figures are often the most at risk.

Individuals are assigned security in the X (likely threat), Y (continuous threat), Y-plus (grave threat), or Z (impending threat) categories based on the seriousness and urgency of the perceived threat.

What are the security provisions for each of these categories?

X: A person with X category security is provided with a 24/7 guard. The majority of MLAs in Maharashtra have X category security, according to an Indian Express report.

Y: Along with round-the-clock security, people with Y-category protection have three armed guards stationed outside their residence at night. Most Cabinet Ministers are granted Y security.

Y-plus: These protectees are provided with an armoured vehicle for additional security.

Z and Z-plus security: The security arrangement for these individuals consists of 22 personnel and armoured vehicles.

Who assesses and decides the security level an individual should receive?

Security levels are decided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at the Centre and by the state government at the state level. These decisions are made after evaluating information provided by intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, the Research and Analysis Wing, and the state’s intelligence department.

After formation of the new BJP-led government in Maharashtra late last year, the Special Protection Unit (SPU), which falls under the state intelligence department, comprehensively reviewed security of prominent political leaders, ministers, and MLAs based on their threat perception, an official told PTI.

As per security requirements and considering the threat perception, 33 cabinet members and six ministers of state (MoS) have been provided Y-plus security, he said.

In the changed political scenario, most political leaders do not have the same threat perception as in the past. In view of this, their security cover has been reduced or removed altogether, the official maintained.

It is common for new governments to reduce the security of outgoing ministers or MLAs from the previous ruling party.

Some of the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs who joined Eknath Shinde's camp in 2022 were given increased security in light of threats. As ministers in the Shinde-led government (June 2022-November 2024), a number of them reportedly had 'Y' category security.