MHA sets three-month deadline for licence resolution
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday directed all states to resolve licence-related grievances of private security agencies within three months and prioritise pending applications and renewals. The directive came during a joint workshop on the implementation of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA), 2005, where industry representatives highlighted a massive backlog in licence clearances.
Industry flags delays up to 2.5 years
Private security agencies from across the country told senior Home Ministry officials and state controlling authorities that while fresh licence applications are required to be processed within 45 days under the prescribed timeline, delays in several states stretch up to two-and-a-half years. This leaves many agencies unable to operate with valid licences.
Sudhir Kumar Jha, CEO of Apprize Security Force Pvt Ltd from Samastipur in Bihar, said his licence application has been pending for two years. “I have been waiting for my licence since last two years, and there are numerous people like me dealing with same issues. Almost 70 per cent private players are running without licence,” Jha told The Tribune.
Workshop attended by top officials
The directions were issued by MHA Joint Secretary (Police Modernisation) R Prasanna during the workshop. The event was attended by senior Home Ministry officials, state controlling authorities, Directors General of Police, Additional Directors General of Police, and more than 400 representatives of the private security industry.
According to participants, delays in the issuance and renewal of licences emerged as the principal concern during the discussions. Responding to these issues, the ministry asked states to accord priority to licence applications, dispose of pending renewal cases within the prescribed timelines, and ensure that licensing complaints are addressed within three months.
