Social media has been buzzing with netizens lauding PM Modi and his government for keeping a 'Lady SPG' commando for the Prime Minister's security. The security of India's Prime Minister is handled by SPG (Special Protection Group). A few days back, Mandi MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram stories and lauded PM Modi by sharing his picture with 'Lady SPG'.
Sharing Woman SPG PM Modi's picture, Kangana wrote, "Lady SPG," and put a patriotic Bollywood song in it. Therefore, the photo went viral on social media, with netizens lauding the Modi Government for displaying the real meaning of women's empowerment. Many also started to dig deeper into the 'Lady SPG' commando who was seen escorting PM Modi into the Parliament.
However, for obvious security reasons, the identity of the woman SPG has not been revealed. However, the viral woman SPG picture does not tell you the whole story.
The truth behind PM Modi Lady SPG viral pic
As per NDTV, the woman in the photo is not with the SPG. Instead, she is an Assistant Commandant with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and serves as a Personal Security Officer (PSO) to President Droupadi Murmu.
However, it does not mean that SPG doesn't have women commandoes. Female commandos have been integral to the SPG’s security framework for years. As per reports, the SPG currently has about 100 female commandos, handling close protection duties and advanced security coordination.
How SPG commandoes are recruited?
Like any other military force in the country, there is no direct recruitment in SPG. Selected soldiers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are included in SPG. The initial selection of the selected candidates is done on the basis of service record, fitness, and other parameters.
However, SPG soldiers change in groups every year. No soldier can serve for more than a year. After the completion of the tenure of SPG commandos, they are sent back to their original unit. After this, a vacancy list is again sent to these organizations by the Home Ministry.
The soldier coming to SPG is already a part of the Special Force, who has a lot of experience. Even after this, they are given world-class training. Running, swimming, martial arts, weapon handling, being mentally prepared, vigilance, fighting terrorists, fighting in the dark, etc. are part of the tough training of SPG commandos.