Center starts work on setting up Bureau of Port Security on lines of BCAS – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Barely a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for better port security During the meeting of the heads of the state police, the government started setting up a Office of Port Security to address these issues of all such institutions of central and state governments and private players. This will be in line with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), sources said.
TOI has learned that Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the meeting on Thursday, which will be attended by top officials of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Home Minister and heads of CISF and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to map out the roadmap. and details. This step becomes increasingly important given that there have been cases of seizure of contraband and the need for a uniform security protocol.
Sources said the strategic move is aimed at improving coordination among stakeholders, including enforcement agencies, port authorities and maritime security institutions. “Currently, there is a uniform security protocol for twelve major ports under the central government and CISF is deployed. But small ports (under state and private players) are now handling more cargo and these are deploying private security personnel for internal access. A unified system will ensure faster responses to safety issues and incidents,” an official said.
The Merchant Shipping Bill, which will be introduced during the current session of Parliament, provides for the establishment of the Bureau of Port Security, which will function under the control of a designated authority. “As we expand and enlarge our facilities maritime tradeensuring the safety of ports and shipping routes is crucial. This step will help ensure safer navigation, secure cargo handling and protection against possible security breaches,” said another official.