Rajnath hints giving training to private security guards

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hinted providing training to 50 lakh private security guards, who protect several establishments across the country.

"Presently, around 50 lakh private security guards are providing round-the-clock security to offices and other buildings.

"The government is considering to work in tandem with the private security agencies," he said, addressing an annual conference of the International Institute of Security and Safety Management here.

There are 50 lakh private security guards which are guarding corporate offices, malls, industrial sites and residential buildings across the country. However, almost all of them are barely trained, unarmed and of little use in emergencies.

The private security industry, despite its generally poorly-trained men, is worth Rs 22,000 crore and is expected to grow to Rs 40,000 crore by next year, according to a FICCI study.

The Home Minister also expressed concern over anti-national elements involved in cyber crimes against India.

"It is important to repulse the nefarious designs of all those who are behind it," he said.