January 28, 2025 - securitylinkindia

EDCI – Pioneering in Security & Investigation Solutions Across India

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaJanuary 28, 2025January 30, 202504 mins

EDCI, head office in Kolkata and working on pan-India basis, specializes in a range of critical services such as Corporate Due Diligence, Cyber Crime Investigation, Fraud Investigation and Security Risk Management for both private and public sector enterprises. Being an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, registered with MSME, LEI, D&B, and enlisted with UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT, and proud members of APDI and NASSCOM, EDCI has been constantly attracting the attention of various leading organizations to partner with. Sunjoy NathFounder of EDCI The organization is headed by Sunjoy Nath, the Founder of EDCI. He is a military veteran, a cyber expert and an elite member of INTERPOL Metaverse Expert Committee and United Service Institution of India (USI). USI is India’s pre-eminent think tank on matters of national security. Mr. Sunjoy is having 27 years of experience in the field of Aviation, Physical Security & Investigation. He is qualified for ‘counter insurgency and counter terrorism’ from Rastriya Raksha University. He is also the associate member of the Ex-Police Officers Guild, Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Mr. Nath has been appointed as the Councillor for the State of West Bengal by International Council for Industrial Security & Safety Management. He is also the Mentor of Change of NITI Aayog, Mentor of Start-up India – GoI, Member of Expert Committee of GoI, STCC and NCVT in the fields of aviation and drone. Apart from these he is a syllabus committee member of technical education, Government of West Bengal in the field of drone/ UAV. FITIG Association has nominated him as President for the State of West Bengal and in-charge of North Eastern States. He is also a certificate holder from various world-renowned organizations like US Department of Homeland Security, UNDSS, UNODC, OSCE, DCSA, to name a few and always aspires to provide best advisory and consultation services in security and investigation domains and verticals to Indian industries. He has achieved Investigation Leadership Award 2024 from APDI. EDCI has been taking initiative to create awareness among people from various states of India. Now by engaging and deploying volunteers CYBER CRIME COUNTER CORPS (CCCC) in every district of India, it will strengthen awareness programme to make Indian people aware of newly emerging digital fraud such as loan apps, job fraud, crypto scam, supply chain attack, digital arrest, gold finance scam etc., in real and virtual world. EDCI’s core services include Corporate and External Due Diligence, Corporate Fraud Investigation, Cybercrime Investigation, Defaulter/ Skip Tracing, Asset Tracking, KYC, Background and Identity Verification, Security Risk Management, OSINT investigation etc. The organization has been serving many corporates, Govt. Departments, various prestigious banks and NBFCs, insolvency professionals (IPs), resolution professionals (RPs), CAs and lawyers. Read more posts

34th IISSM Annual Global Conclave 11-13 December 2024 at New Delhi

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaJanuary 28, 2025January 29, 2025012 mins

Theme: Total Loss Prevention – Risk to ResilienceTagline: Empowering People for a Sustainable Planet The 34th IISSM Annual Global Conclave, themed ‘Total Loss Prevention – Risk to Resilience,’ marked a significant milestone in the global dialogue on safety, security, and sustainability. Bringing together industry leaders, security professionals, academicians, policymakers, and experts from various domains, the conclave served as a platform for addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Held over two transformative days, the event provided a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, aiming to chart a path toward a safer, more resilient world. The inaugural session began with great enthusiasm, reflecting the ethos of the conclave. The ceremonial lamp lighting was led by Dr. R.K. Sinha, the Executive Chairman of IISSM, who in his welcome address highlighted IISSM’s longstanding role in pioneering advancements in security and disaster management. Dr. Sinha’s remarks emphasized the critical need for multi-stakeholder approaches to addressing global risks, particularly in a rapidly changing world. The Chief Guest, Hon. Minister Sanjay Seth, commended IISSM for its relentless efforts in areas such as skill development, disaster resilience, and empowering youth. He underscored the importance of leveraging collective expertise and collaboration to build capacity and drive sustainable solutions. The Inaugural Plenary Session focused on ‘Global Security Challenges,’ setting the tone for meaningful discussions. One of the standout speakers, H.E. Fares Sahib, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel, shared Israel’s innovative strategies in disaster preparedness and counter-terrorism. His address illustrated the importance of education, early warning systems, and collaboration between sectors as essential tools for mitigating risks. Panelists explored evolving global risks such as climate change and terrorism, offering actionable insights into how public and private entities can work together to develop robust frameworks. A key takeaway from the session was the need to create cross-sector partnerships that would enhance early warning mechanisms and disaster preparedness systems, ultimately reducing vulnerabilities. The subsequent plenary session, ‘Private Sector and PSUs in Total Loss Prevention,’ delved into the role of private enterprises and public sector undertakings in building resilience and minimizing risks. Experts discussed the integration of technologies such as AI-driven surveillance systems and biometric tools into organizational workflows, emphasizing how these innovations can reduce the potential for losses while enhancing overall safety. Public-private partnerships emerged as a central theme, with participants advocating for closer collaboration between government bodies and private enterprises to tackle challenges effectively. Later, the thematic session on ‘Business Continuity and Governance’ examined strategies for ensuring operational resilience amidst an increasingly uncertain environment. Speakers elaborated on the importance of conducting risk assessments, implementing multi-layered security frameworks, and leveraging automation to respond swiftly to incidents. These discussions underscored the necessity for organizations to adopt proactive measures such as comprehensive training programs and technology-driven solutions, to safeguard operations and ensure business continuity. The second day of the conclave brought a renewed focus on climate change and its profound implications for disaster management and sustainability. The session on ‘Disaster Management, Climate Change, and Sustainability’ addressed the economic and societal impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for proactive corporate responsibility. Prof. Ravi Sinha, a noted expert, shed light on localized adaptation strategies as a cornerstone for building resilience. He emphasized that while global efforts are crucial, localized actions tailored to specific vulnerabilities can be equally, if not more, effective. Recommendations from the session included increasing climate finance, investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, and actively involving corporations in sustainability initiatives. These discussions resonated deeply with participants, reflecting the urgency of embedding climate-conscious practices into both policy and practice. A highlight of Day 2 was the keynote address by Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari, who emphasized sustainability in infrastructure development as a key to achieving long-term resilience. He announced forthcoming collaborations with IISSM to develop innovative safety education models, a move that underscored the government’s commitment to fostering safer communities through education and awareness. One of the most impactful sessions of the day focused on ‘Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups,’ addressing the need for targeted strategies to protect women, children, and persons with disabilities during disasters. Panelists stressed the importance of integrating self-defense and safety training into school curricula, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills they need to navigate crises. Gender-sensitive planning and inclusive disaster response frameworks were highlighted as essential components of effective safety strategies. The session concluded with a call to action for policymakers and organizations to prioritize the unique needs of vulnerable groups in all safety and resilience initiatives. Another key area of focus was ‘Workforce Development and Skill Enhancement,’ where experts discussed the growing demand for skills in areas such as green jobs, cybersecurity, and disaster preparedness. Participants emphasized the need for localized certification programs that address the specific needs of communities, as well as the integration of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into training programs. These measures, they argued, would not only prepare the workforce for emerging challenges but also create pathways for sustainable economic growth. The thematic session on ‘School Safety and Child Protection’ highlighted the critical need to safeguard children during disasters. Discussions revolved around empowering teachers with training in psychological first aid and incorporating digital safety programs into school curricula. The session also emphasized the importance of creating a culture of safety within schools, where students, teachers, and parents work collaboratively to build disaster-resilient communities. In addition to these discussions, the conclave featured special contributions from distinguished speakers. Rajendra Ratnoo, Executive Director of NIDM, provided valuable insights into capacity building and the role of technology in disaster risk reduction. He called for the adoption of innovative, technology-driven approaches to address the challenges of the 21st century. Dhiraj Singh delivered an engaging talk on the seven dimensions of security, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI-driven tools, robotics, and public-private collaborations in creating safer environments. The conclave also showcased a wide range of innovative tools and technologies through product presentations by leading organizations. Companies such as IDEAFORGE, Motorola Solutions, and Prakhar demonstrated advancements…

The Protector – Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaJanuary 28, 2025February 18, 2025045 mins

Who does not know Kunwar Vikram Singh – the Chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI)? Does he need any introduction? He is globally renowned – and a glaring figure in India’s private security industry. He is a true visionary leader, a writer and a Fauji at Heart. His recently authored book called ‘The Protectors’ is so insightful and has been a huge success. The book delves into the lives and challenges of security professionals, and offers an in-depth look at their dedication and role in society. As the Chairman of CAPSI, Kunwar Saheb leads an organization that represents India’s private security sector, which employs millions of people across the country. Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) is an apex body of the private security industry representing the wider interests of 10 million guardsmen & women and 35 thousand private security agencies operating pan India. This preeminent organization for security professionals made its unpretentious beginning in 2005 and has emerged as an ‘elite association’ of nationally and internationally renowned security professionals managing world’s largest workforce. CAPSI’s governing processes are being guided by an eminent Board of Governors having former army generals, veteran police and para-military officers, high ranking intelligence professionals also from Central Bureau of Investigation, and premier governmental intelligence agencies and renowned risk managers. The executive leadership of CAPSI is provided by security entrepreneurs who have achieved excellence in the business of security management in India and abroad. The unique bouquet of experience and entrepreneurship has taken CAPSI to its new height within a period of 20 years, especially after the enactment of the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act 2005. With decades of experience, Mr. Singh has been instrumental in shaping India’s private security sector including the regulatory framework and professional standards of the sector. SecurityLinkIndia is honoured and privileged to recently have an opportunity to speak to him, here are some excerpts: Can you share in brief your journey as a private security professional and chairman of CAPSI? My journey as a private security professional and Chairman of CAPSI has been quite fascinating. After leaving the Army, I started a company called Lancer Security and Investigation in 1980. Around that time, the government decided to host the 9 Asian Games in Delhi They hired me to plan the security for the event. During that period, I realized the importance of having robust private security to manage such large-scale events. This led me to form a company that provided security services for the 9 Asian Games, marking the beginning of my career as a private security entrepreneur. Subsequently, between 1990 and 1996, there was significant growth in private security agencies. During this time, I felt the need to bring together security entrepreneurs to ad dress common challenges. Most of these entrepreneurs were ex-Army officers like me. As a result, we formed the Association of Security Organizations of India, where I became the president. We began addressing issues such as wages, Provident Fund (PF), and other labour-related concerns Later, the government decided to regulate the private security sector and introduced the Private Security Agency Regulation Act in Parliament. Recognizing the importance of preparing for future challenges in compliance and legislation, we saw the need for a Pan-India association to unite the industry, which was largely unorganized at the time. This led to the formation of the Central Association of Private Security Industry. I was initially elected as the convener of CAPSI (Central Association of Private Security Agencies) Eventually, I was appointed as the chairman of the association How has the private security industry transformed in India over the last two decades? The transformation of the private security industry in India has been gradual yet remarkable. Initially, the concept of private security was limited to hiring a chowkidar often a Nepalese individual or some ex-army personnel to guard properties However, over time, internal security emerged as a significant concern. The government faced increasing challenges in providing adequate security to industrial establishments, residential colonies, and smaller entities. This gap in internal security created a pressing need for organized private security systems. The rapid development of infrastructure across the country airports, ports, residential colonies, factories in remote areas, and other critical zones further fuelled the demand for private security services. Can you throw light on the industry’s economic impact and its contribution to employment? The private security industry in India plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and employment, emerging as one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the country. With the rising demand for safety due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and increasing awareness of security, the industry generates significant revenue and contributes substantially to the nation’s GDP By safeguarding businesses, infrastructure, and public spaces, the sector enables other industries such as banking, retail, and manufacturing to operate efficiently, fostering economic stability Moreover, the industry’s adoption of advanced technologies like Al-powered surveillance and biometric systems has spurred innovation and created new opportunities for technological advancement in Indi. In terms of employment, the private security sector is a key contributor, providing jobs to millions across urban and rural areas. It offers accessible entry-level opportunities, reducing unemployment while serving as a crucial source of livelihood for individuals with minimal education or training. Additionally, many security companies invest in skill development, offering training in areas such as emergency response, technology usage, and conflict resolution, which enhances workforce quality. The increasing participation of women in the industry further promotes inclusivity and gender diversity in employment. How has CAPSI contributed to the development and regulation of the private security industry? The Central Association of Private Security Industry T (CAPSI) has played a pivotal role in the development and regulation of the private security industry in India. Governed by the PSAR Act, the industry benefited greatly from CAPSI’s efforts to drive self-regulation and improvement. The initiative began during the tenure of Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, who emphasized the need for the industry to enhance its services through self-discipline. He stressed to deliver…