The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) has recently concluded its 13th Security Skills and Leadership Summit 2018 at PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), New Delhi, held during 15-16 November 2018. The Summit was participated by more than 500 industry leaders from security and private investigation domains across India. The Chief Guest Shivraj Patil, the former Home Minister, GoI, and former Governor of Punjab opened the two-day conference by lighting the lamps under the reverberation of chanting prayers. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by dignitaries like Ashok Prasad, IPS (Retd.), former Secretary, Internal Security – MHA, and Technical Advisor and Spokesperson MHA; Anil Khaitan, former President, PHDCCI, and the office bearers of CAPSI and APDI. In his welcome note, Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman, CAPSI and APDI apprised that the Summit has been being held every year since the inception of CAPSI which was raised consequent to the passing of the Private Security Agency (Regulation) Act 2005, and this is its 13th edition. The Summit provides the platform to discuss pressing issues that the private security industry confronts, and find solutions to those problems. The government is responsive to all the issues faced by the Industry. He also cited some very serious issues being currently faced by the Industry such as the modus of GST which has forced about 1040 agencies to pull their shutters down, need of a separate directorate under MHA to look after the affairs of private security agencies as the overburdened controlling authorities are not able to address their issues efficiently, and so on. He appealed to the forum to put their heads together and find viable solutions of all the issues. On another note, the Chairman also acquainted the forum with some of the landmark initiatives taken by CAPSI including the introduction of a new course of Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) in Security Management under the aegis of Noida International University, Noida; and launching of a major welfare activity for the security guards to facilitate them with their own house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY). CAPSI is and has been in regular negotiations with the Ministry of Urban Housing on the subject. Ashok Prasad, IPS referred to the low police citizen ratio in the country and made it clear that the police find itself woefully short of resources to combat the requirements of guarding and policing in the current time of rapidly growing economy. It is here that the private security industry can fill the void to a large extent. He stressed upon more professional private security force that can ensure safety and security of personnel and material. Shivraj Patil was of the opinion that the private security personnel is not very different from the regular security forces that are entrusted with securing the nation. Both forces need very strong leaderships with astute foresight and vision. He emphasised the need for updating technology, and training to sharpen the skills of the security personnel. He was hopeful that in due course the bill for regulating the private detective agencies will be passed, and the present government will also address the issue in relation to GST to pass solace on the industry. On the second day, AR Kohli, Former Governor of Mizoram explained that security encompasses emotional, physical and financial security and is the sum up of law and order. He stated that running of a Nation constitutes two pillars in a democratic country – they are bureaucrats and politicians. Any proposal which needs approval from these have to be so modelled that it easily passes the scrutiny of the bureaucrats and politicians. The proposals should add value to the society and make life easier for them. Mr Kohli explained that the security guards are an useful extension arm of the state. They supplement the efforts of the local police. He advised that they must always maintain a humanitarian approach in the discharge of duties. Stressing on the need to be professionally competent, Mr Kohli stated that there are over 40 million jobs available abroad of which at least 5 million relate to private security. Hence we need to focus ourselves in training the guards to attain professional excellence. Mr Kohli was in agreement that the Principal Employer should pay the GST at source, and he supported the initiatives of BBA in Security Management and the housing project envisaged by CAPSI. Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, former Cabinet Minister said that he has been amidst the security guards for the last 20 years and has the understanding of their problems. The compensation being given to the private security guards who suffer casualties while on duty needs to be relooked into and higher renumerations are warranted. He supported CAPSI’s efforts in all the welfare activities undertaken for the betterment of these personnel. The conference saw various distinct sessions of discussions and debates by a number of eminent speakers and panellists on various topics such as GST Imposition – Survival of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Security Sector – A National Challenge; Directorate of Private Security – A Game Changer; Certified Security Professionals – Excellence in Job Performance; CPIIPartnership between Insurance Investigators and Insurers in mitigation of Frauds; and Star Rating of Private Security Agencies – A Joint initiative with Quality Council of India; Housing for the Security Guards – PM Awas Yojana (PMAY); Promoting Second Generation of Security Professional – Security Management Courses; and General Assurance Cover for family of Guards.