The dialogue with a view to strengthening the security measures back home and global standards was held to sign an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between CAPSI (Central Association of Private Security Industry) and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, ASSOCHAM.
This three-hour long event held at ASSOCHAM office aimed to standardize the private security industry keeping in view the internationally accepted ISO standard.
This signature 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.
The MoU was signed by Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI and Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General, ASSOCHAM. The 'Security sTar Agencies Rating' (STAR) scheme was formally launched on 8 February 2019 in Mumbai during the Special Standards Conclave organised by the Ministry of Commerce.
Kunwar Vikram Singh in his address said, "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.
"This will open a new window on the Private Security industry and provide a sound foundation for the recognition of this sector," Singh concluded.
Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General, ASSOCHAM emphasised saying, “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 its 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.”
"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.
Anil Dhawan, Co-Chairman, National Committee on Homeland Security and disaster management – ASSOCHAM viewed, “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 real 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.”
The scheme was approved by the Steering Committee headed by A.N. 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.
Amongst the distinguished guests present on the occasion were Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General, ASSOCHAM; Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI; Mahesh Sharma, Secretary-General, CAPSI; Anil Dhawan, Co-Chairman, National Committee on Homeland Security and Disaster Management – ASSOCHAM; Anil Jauhri, CEO, NABCB, QCI.
