
The Protector – Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI
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…