Unobtrusive body scanner, latest surveillance system and luggage scanners are some of the next generation security gizmos being considered for import from the West to upgrade the security system in Parliament.
The joint Parliamentary committee on security, while taking stock of the security arrangement, has suggested body scanners and other state-of-the-art security gadgets for Parliament.
Currently, Parliament has a three-tier security system involving Delhi Police, CRPF and watch and ward staff. The security system was strengthened in Parliament after the December 13, 2001, terror attack.
PDT Achary, Lok Sabha secretary general, said though the security arrangement has been enhanced after the December 13 incident, the upgrading of security is a continuous process.
"We review the security arrangement periodically in the light of security threat. The Parliamentary committee has also suggested some measures, including procuring certain latest equipment, to strengthen the security system further. The technical committee would examine the proposal before making a final decision," he said.
The technical committee comprises of senior officials from the home ministry, Intelligence Bureau, Delhi Police, NSG, SPG and other officials involved in Parliament security. After the approval of the technical committee, the proposal would go to the finance ministry.
Since the monsoon session of Parliament is beginning from August 10, there was a mock security drill undertaken on August 8. "This is done before every session to plug the loopholes, if any, found during the drill," said a senior Delhi police official involved in the drill.
The mock drill ensures that the security system is fully functional to meet any eventuality- fire, intrusion of any kind or any other possible incident and also assessing the response time, said the official.
About the requirement of body scanners, the official said the basic aim is to improve the system of frisking, searching and scanning. While the latest gadgets would enhance the system it, would also reduce dependence on human factor.
These scanners are advanced X-ray technology to draw a skeletal image of a human body and are considered fool-proof as they can detect explosives or weapon if they are hidden under the skin.
Besides body scanners, there is a need to upgrade the luggage clearing and surveillance system also. "There are truckloads of goods, files, papers and other relevant materials which come to Parliament. The latest gadgets would help in clearing them fast. Once finalised, all the gadgets are likely to be imported from the US or Europe," said the official.