The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, during its recently concluded Governing Council Meeting. This strategic collaboration marks the beginning of a transformative, nationwide initiative aimed at equipping citizens with essential Civil Defence training to strengthen their preparedness and resilience in times of crisis. As a critical step towards implementing this vision, CAPSI has organized a Roundtable Discussion on the theme ‘Community Security and Civil Defence Preparedness’ with key office bearers, including Presidents and General Secretaries of various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
Scheduled to take place on 11 July 2025 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, the Roundtable brought together community leaders, security experts, and senior government officials to discuss the pressing security challenges faced by RWAs. The discussion focused on developing practical and sustainable solutions through structured Civil Defence training programs, empowering communities to act as first responders in emergencies. The event featured a welcome address by CAPSI Chairman Kunwar Vikram Singh, followed by an address of Lt. Gen. Ashok B. Shivane PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Strategic Advisor to the Chairman, highlighting the objectives and roadmap of the CAPSI – Civil Defence collaboration, and Shri. Anil Pratham, IPS, Former DGP Gujarat (Retd) & Advisor of CAPSI on the concept of City Security Council.
The Roundtable was graced by several distinguished guests, including Praveen Khandelwal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, who addressed the participants as Guest of Honour. A vibrant Open House Discussion allowed participants to voice concerns, share experiences, and suggest actionable measures for community-level security enhancement. Also delivering special addresses were Rahul Sudan, Senior Staff Officer, – Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards; and Ms. Shivani Ahuja, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party RWA Cell.
S. K. Sharma, IG (P) Retd., who currently serves as the Working President of CAPSI Delhi Chapter and Senior Vice President of the All Dwarka Resident Forum RWAs, addressed the evolving security challenges faced by residential societies in urban areas. Joining him was Lt Col R. K. Rao, President, United RWA Federation, Dwarka Express who spoke on both security and financial challenges confronting RWAs highlighting the increasing responsibilities of RWAs in managing safety, infrastructure, and finances – often without adequate resources or formal support.
