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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
State allows banks to hire private security agencies for cash vans
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has allowed public and private sector banks to engage private security agencies for securing cash vans used in the transportation of currency to banks and ATMs across the state. Alongside this, the state has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure smooth operations and prevent any untoward incidents. Until now, banks primarily relied on police personnel and guards from the Maharashtra Security Force through the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC). In some instances, private agencies were also hired. However, this is the first time the state has introduced formal regulations governing private security agencies involved in cash transportation. The new rules, titled 'Maharashtra Private Security Agencies (Private Security to Cash Transportation Activities) Rules, 2025', outline stringent requirements for private security operations. Each cash van must now be staffed with at least two armed guards and equipped with a GPS system monitored via a redundant communication protocol. The use of taxis or other hired vehicles for cash transport has been strictly prohibited. To minimise risk, the cash limit per van has been capped at ₹5 crore. The van must conform to specifications detailed in the First Schedule of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act and may be owned by the bank, the security agency, or the cash-handling firm. According to the notification issued by the state home department on April 29, 'One armed guard shall sit in the front with the driver, and another in the rear portion of the van. During transit, loading or unloading, tea or lunch breaks, or restroom stops, at least one armed guard must remain with the vehicle at all times.' Preference has been given to hiring ex-servicemen as guards. In their absence, eligible civilians may be appointed, subject to rigorous background checks. These include police and residence verification, employer reference checks, Aadhaar verification, credit history assessment, fidelity insurance, and mandatory training and certification. As per government data, Maharashtra has licensed 7,684 private security agencies, of which 5,102 are currently active. 'The criticality of secure cash movement in daily banking operations, coupled with the growing number of ATMs and banking services, necessitated clear SOPs for private agencies handling cash transport,' said a senior home department official. 'The guidelines were framed in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India and the Director General of Police, Maharashtra. They are aligned with the Private Security Agencies Central Model Rules, 2020, issued by the Centre,' the official added. The rules also prescribe specifications for private cash vaults used for storing currency overnight. For instance, premises for cash-handling operations must be located in secure areas—ideally close to bank withdrawal centres or police stations—while secluded or poorly connected areas should be avoided. Facilities must include separate areas for general office functions and secure cash processing. They should also accommodate cash collection, sorting, counting, and dispatch via secure vans.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
Maharashtra to launch tourism security force with pilot project in Mahabaleshwar
Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated ' Maharashtra Tourism Security Force ', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival , starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department. Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival, starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department.
India Today
29-04-2025
- India Today
Maharashtra to form 'Paryatan Mitra' for safety of tourists, pilot from May 1
In a bid to enhance tourist safety and revive confidence in domestic travel, the Maharashtra Government has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (MTSF), also referred to as Tourism Mitra, under its recently unveiled Tourism Policy initiative was formalised through a government circular dated April 17, 2025, issued by the state's Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The new force is envisioned as a specialised unit that will not only ensure security for tourists but also disseminate information about Maharashtra's cultural heritage and major tourist creation of the force is part of the state's broader tourism roadmap, which aims to attract private investment worth Rs 1 lakh crore and create an estimated 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs by capitalising on Maharashtra's natural and cultural assets. As a pilot, the force will be deployed in Satara district during the upcoming Mahabaleshwar Mahotsav, which is scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025. Twenty-five trained personnel will be stationed under the supervision of the Satara District Police Superintendent, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. The force will remain operational in the region from April 25 to August to the directive, vehicles and logistical support will be made available, and senior officers will be assigned to oversee operations. Funding responsibilities will be shared between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and the Satara Police Superintendent, with the Tourism Development Corporation set to receive reimbursements for incurred government has decided to form Maharashtra Tourism Security Force. The decision has been taken in view of increasing opportunities in the tourism sector, diversity with regards to geography and culture in the state and to give a secured tourist experience," news agency PTI quoted Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shamburaj Desai as saying."They will also be posted for the security of the tourists. This will increase employment opportunities in the state. They will take training to give information as well as protection to the tourists," Desai added.A statewide rollout of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force is expected soon, pending further government orders issued under the directive of the Governor.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra to get Tourism Security Force
MUMBAI: Following the recent terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam, the state government has decided to set up a Maharashtra Tourism Security Force to be stationed at major sites. The force will be launched on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar festival set to be held at the Satara hill station from May 2 to 4. Personnel for the force will be recruited from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. In this pilot phase, the force will be operational until August 31. The first batch of 25 personnel will be deputed at Mahabaleshwar. Senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to monitor and oversee the force. The expenditure will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai said on Monday.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Indian Express
Maharashtra to set up tourism security force
In the wake of the terror attack on tourists near Pahalgam in J&K, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced to establish a 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (Tourism Mitra)', which will be tasked with the safety of tourists visiting the state. State Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said, 'This force will be deployed for the safety of tourists. The personnel will undergo special training so that they can guide and protect tourists.' 'The 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force' will be launched on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar Festival in Satara to be held from May 1 to 4. In order to create a sense of security in the minds of tourists coming to the state and to provide necessary information about the state's culture, history, tourist places, laws, rules and tourism, the tourism security force will be appointed on a contractual basis,' Desai added. In order to set up the force, the Tourism department has directed the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and Maharashtra Ex-Servicemen Corporation Ltd to submit information about their employees as soon as possible. Around 25 personnel will be appointed by the Maharashtra State Security Corporation through the Satara district superintendent of police office. These personnel will be given necessary training for ensuring the safety of tourists. The expenditure incurred on this initiative will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the Satara district SP office. Tourism Secretary Atul Patne said the step is meant to create a safe environment at tourist destinations. 'The force will have trained personnel, modern technology and a well-coordinated system, which will react immediately in emergency situations,' he said.
