Wonder about salary of SPG commandos guarding PM Modi? know details here

X, Y, Y +, Z, Z + and SPG. These are the six main security categorizations in India provided for VVIPs. Among these, the Special Protection Group (SPG) occupies the topmost place in the list and is made available only for the prime minister and his family residing with him/her. SPG was formed in 1988 by an Act of the Parliament of India. Almost 3000 officials are in the squad, including highly trained and assiduously working canines.

SPG was formed in 1985. Rajiv Gandhi's security was first withdrawn after VP Singh came to power in 1989. But after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, the government decided to amend the SPG law and to provide SPG cover to family members of former prime ministers for at least ten years. This law was amended again in 2003.

The current Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also blanketed in the tight security provided by the SPG. Even in the itinerary of the prime minister, it will be the SPG officials who will have the final say. This was palpable in PM Modi’s Kanyakumari visit on Thursday which was meticulously planned by the security team. The SPG will splash as much as Rs 1.62 crore daily to perfect the Prime Minister's security measure.

An SPG commando earns between Rs 84,236 to Rs 2,39,457 per month. Online media DNA reported that the annual income of an SPG security officer is Rs 13.2 lakh. These commandos are also entitled to top security, along with the three bulletproof vests they wear while on duty. The officials working in Z+ security should also be adept in martial arts and unarmed combat training.

The officials should also possess a cold countenance while on duty. The weapons of the SPG are the FN P90 machine gun, the FN Herstel F2000 rifle and Glock 17 automatic pistol. Graduation from any recognized educational institution is mandatory to apply for SPG jobs.