MoU SIGNED TO STANDARDIZE PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY BASED ON INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED ISO STANDARDS
@ Vikas Sharma | Sr Journalist
New Delhi: The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at ASSOCHAM House, New Delhi. The MoU will help in establishing collaborative relations between ASSOCHAM and CAPSI for the propagation of ‘Security sTar Agencies Rating’ (STAR) scheme which aims to standardize the Private Security Agencies based on internationally accepted ISO standards.
The MoU was signed by Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI and Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General, ASSOCHAM. The ‘Security sTar Agencies Rating’ (STAR) scheme was formally launched on 08 February 2019 at Mumbai during the Special Standards Conclave organised by the Ministry of Commerce.
According to CAPSI Chairman Kunwar Vikram Singh: “The ‘Security sTar Agencies Rating’ (STAR) scheme has been conceptualized by CAPSI with the active help and support of Quality Council of India (QCI), the country’s apex quality facilitation and national accreditation body. It will prove to be a game-changer in the overall functioning of Private Security Agencies in India. Based on a criterion for certification, the STAR scheme envisages a ‘Seven Star’ rating system purely based on competence and compliance factors.”
“STAR rating method will be an indicator of grading on the basis of the levels of compliance and practice followed by the security group. Based on sound technical requirements and certification, STAR rating by CAPSI & QCI will give both private security industry and clients the confidence and assurance of providing high standard security services. Certification will open new horizons for the Private Security industry and provide a sound foundation for the recognition of this sector” said Kunwar Vikram Singh.
According to Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General, ASSOCHAM: “It is a very unique step taken by CAPSI along with the QCI to modernize and upgrade the private security industry. Over 4.5 lakh ASSOCHAM members and it’s 450 associations will adopt this advanced approach to private security management. Apart from physical security, we will also move towards addressing the modern day challenges related to cybersecurity.”
“QCI has always been willing to help stakeholders – whether Govt as in case of AYUSH mark or Yoga certification schemes or industry bodies as in case of Ready Mix Concrete Plant certification or ICMED scheme for medical devices to create a voluntary certification frameworks. The Star scheme is a testimony to our commitment and embodies our belief that while Indian industry should adopt international standards, the industry may need to do so in phases and hence levels of certification with the ultimate objective of meeting international standards like ISO 9001 as also domestic regulations”, said Anil Jauhri, CEO, NABCB, QCI.
According to Anil Dhawan, Co-Chairman, National Committee on Homeland Security and disaster management – ASSOCHAM, “Security sTar Agencies Rating Scheme” is a landmark development for the Indian security industry. It brings the much-needed quality standards benefitting all stakeholders across the board. It would lead to encouraging good and effective security services providers and thus helping society in better crime protection and risk management. Its successful adoption would be a total GAME CHANGER by establishing true confidence even with police and government authorities. Both CAPSI and QCI have shown a tremendous sense of responsibility in meticulously defining and establishing the certification criteria’s and volunteering themselves. ASSOCHAM is proud to endorse its implementation for the safety and security of end-users.”
In accordance with the Governing Structure of the scheme, the STAR scheme has three bodies — Steering, Technical & Certification Committees – who after due deliberations have formulated various guidelines related to the scheme. The scheme was approved by the Steering Committee headed by Mr. AN Roy, former DG Mumbai Police. While One Star Rating corresponds to PSARA compliance, Three Star Rating encompasses the basic PSARA criteria and certain essential management compliances to form Private Security Services Management System (PSSMS).
Similarly, Five Star Rating corresponds to the criteria laid down in ISO 90001(+) and Seven Star Rating corresponds to the International ISO 18788. The intervening even number of Star Rating will be given to the PSA on maintaining sustained compliance for three years in their present rating.
