Private Security agencies are security providing agencies their services including training of security guards to provide security to private banks, corporate offices, etc. Private security agencies are regulated by the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act of 2005 (PSARA Act). Private security agencies are increasing with an increase in the corporate offices in India and concerns about crimes. As per PSARA Act, all Private security service providers are required to employ supervisors to administer the work of security guards. While hiring a supervisor, the agency has to give preference to a person from the army, air force or navy having an experience of at least 3 years. The security agencies must provide the necessary training to the supervisors. The PSARA Act also determines the criteria for the qualification for a security guard, uniform of the security guards and as well as the health conditions.
Selection of Controlling Body by State Government
As per the PSARA Act, the State Government can appoint an officer that must not be below the rank of Joint Secretary in the state Home Department or an equivalent official to be the Controlling body for the state. The Controlling Authority is in charge of the operation, issuing of license, its renewal and regulation of the security agencies in the state.
After receiving the application, the controlling Authority makes inquiries as it deems necessary. An NOC will be issued from the pertinent police authorities. Once NOC issued, controlling authority will grant the license. It takes about two months to duly complete the whole process. All private security agencies have to commence their activities within six months of acquiring the license.
Eligibility for PSARA License
An Indian Association of Persons, Company or Firm is eligible for PSARA license. Furthermore, if the security agency is a company, then the majority of shareholder must be Indian citizens. In addition, the below mentioned conditions must also be fulfilled:
· The company or person must not be convicted of an offence in connection with the formation, management or promotion of a company.
· The company or person must not be convicted of an offence for which the punishment is imprisonment of not less than 2 years.
· The company or person must not keep any links with any association or organisation which is forbidden under any law or their activities pose any kind of threat to national security.
Prerequisites for PSARA License
Following are the prerequisites for PSARA License:
·Allotment of Pan
·Registration under shops & Establishment Act
·Registration with service tax department
·Registration under Contractual Labour Act
·Registration of Provident fund
·Employees State Insurance registration
Documents Required for PSARA License
Following are the necessary documents to acquire PSARA License:
- Affidavit as per the norms of PSARA Act
- Logo for the security agency
- Affidavit of security training
- Character certificate of all the employees.
- Proof of Ownership for the registered place of business
- Uniform pattern
- Identity card for all employees
- Details of armed licenses
Registration process for acquiring License under PSARA Act
Following are the steps to follow to obtain PSARA License:
- Collect and upload all the essential documents:
The first step obtain PSARA license is to collect and upload essential documents such as GST, EPF, ESI, TAN number, PAN card, Income Tax Return of each director, Registration under Shops and Establishment Act, etc.
- MOU with a training institute:
The applicant has to file MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the training institute which has trained the security guards.
- Police Verification:
The applicant has to fill the application Form-1 for the police verification. If the applicant is a firm, an organization or other individual, a separate verification will be conducted for each director.
- Application Filing:
The registration application for PSARA License is filed with the controlling authority, which is then forwarded for further verification. After NOC is received from the police department of the concerned state, the controlling authority may grant the PSARA license or rejects it with an appropriate reason.
- Issuance of Private Security Agency License:
It will take about two months to duly complete the entire registration process of acquiring the License from the date of filing the registration application. The PSARA Registration process varies from one state to other.
Conclusion
Private security agencies are regulated by the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act of 2005 (PSARA Act). Private security agencies are increasing with an increase in the corporate offices in India and concerns about crimes. As per PSARA Act, all Private security service providers are required to employ supervisors to administer the work of security guards.
