VIP Security in India: Who Funds Z+, Y+, SPG Protection for Leaders & Celebs?
We frequently hear that Y, Y Plus, or Z category protection is offered to well-known executives, entrepreneurs, or celebrities. Numerous cars and a number of commandos or security guards are constantly with them. Azam Khan, the head of the Samajwadi Party, was recently granted Y category security after being freed from prison.
It begs the question: Does the government offer this level of protection to every person who believes that their life is in danger? Definitely not, is the response. According to a story published in The Indian Express, central security is not always provided to everyone who senses a threat.
Only those who have significant or powerful positions in the government, court, politics, business, or society are eligible for this type of security, often known as VIP security. When it comes to giving security, the central government is very cautious and selective. Not all grievances or threats are deemed serious enough to merit protection. The state government police are often in charge of safeguarding those who receive threat information. Threat evaluations are carried out at the state level, and security is offered appropriately.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs selects the degree of protection when the federal government agrees to offer security. Reports and suggestions from intelligence organizations like the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) served as the foundation for this choice. The type of protection that should be offered is then determined by taking into account the threat’s seriousness, the possibility of an assault, and the person’s public image.
Here’s a breakdown of the security categories in India:
1. SPG (Special Protection Group):
This is the highest level of security, provided only to the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family.
Established in 1988 by an act of Parliament, SPG’s sole responsibility is to ensure the PM’s safety, both in India and abroad.
2. Z Plus Category:
The next highest level of security after SPG.
Includes 36 personnel, including over 10 NSG commandos, along with Delhi Police, ITBP, CRPF, and state police personnel.
3. Z Category:
Comprises 22 security personnel, including 4–5 NSG commandos.
Other personnel include Delhi Police, ITBP/CRPF commandos, and local police officers.
4. Y Plus Category:
Includes 11 security personnel, with 1–2 commandos and 2 PSOs (Personal Security Officers).
5. Y Category:
Also has 11 personnel, including 2 PSOs.
No commandos are assigned in this category.
6. X Category:
The lowest level of VIP security.
Includes 2 security personnel, one of whom is a PSO.
Examples of VIP Security in India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: SPG (highest security)
Home Minister Amit Shah: Z Plus Category, managed by CRPF; covers both residence and movement across India
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Z Plus, with highly trained NSG commandos
Mukesh Ambani (Industrialist): Z Category, CRPF protection, expenses borne personally
Bollywood Stars:
Shah Rukh Khan – Y Plus, Maharashtra government (expenses borne personally)
Amitabh Bachchan – X Category
Salman Khan – V Plus Category
Aamir Khan – Z Category
Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts: X Category security depending on constitutional position and public role
Now it’s clear which famous personalities receive which level of security and who bears the cost.
What do you think about this VIP security system? Share your views in the comments. My name is Anurag Tiwari. Keep exploring Business Connect Magazine. Thank you!
FAQ: VIP Security in India
Q1: Who gets Y, Y Plus, or Z category security in India?
These security categories are provided to prominent leaders, businessmen, celebrities, and individuals holding important positions in government, judiciary, politics, or society. Not everyone who feels threatened is granted central security.
Q2: Does the government provide security to every person who perceives a threat?
No. The central government is very selective. Most individuals who receive threat alerts are protected by state government police, based on threat assessments conducted at the state level.
Q3: Who decides the level of security when the central government intervenes?
The Ministry of Home Affairs determines the security level. Decisions are based on reports and recommendations from intelligence agencies such as the IB and RAW, considering threat severity, likelihood of attack, and the person’s public profile.
Q4: What are the different VIP security categories in India?
SPG (Special Protection Group):
Highest level of security.
Provided only to the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family.
Established in 1988, SPG ensures PM’s safety in India and abroad.
Z Plus Category:
36 personnel including over 10 NSG commandos, Delhi Police, ITBP, CRPF, and state police.
Z Category:
22 personnel including 4–5 NSG commandos, Delhi Police, ITBP/CRPF, and local police.
Y Plus Category:
11 personnel including 1–2 commandos and 2 PSOs (Personal Security Officers).
Y Category:
11 personnel including 2 PSOs, no commandos.
X Category:
Lowest VIP security level, 2 personnel including 1 PSO.
Q5: Who bears the cost of VIP security?
Security provided based on intelligence reports is free of cost by the government.
High-level security like Z or Z Plus may require the individual to bear accommodation and arrangement costs for personnel.
Some private individuals are also charged for security expenses.
Q6: Examples of VIP security in India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: SPG
Home Minister Amit Shah: Z Plus (CRPF managed)
UP CM Yogi Adityanath: Z Plus with NSG commandos
Mukesh Ambani: Z Category (expenses borne personally)
Shah Rukh Khan: Y Plus (expenses borne personally)
Amitabh Bachchan: X Category
Salman Khan: V Plus Category
Aamir Khan: Z Category
Supreme Court & High Court Judges: X Category depending on role
Q7: Why is this information important?
It clarifies who receives VIP security in India, the hierarchy of protection, and who bears the cost. It also highlights the government’s cautious approach in granting security.
Author: Anurag Tiwari, Business Connect Magazine
Q8: What is the difference between Z and Z Plus security?
Z Plus: 36 personnel including over 10 NSG commandos, Delhi Police, ITBP, CRPF, and state police.
Z: 22 personnel including 4–5 NSG commandos, along with Delhi Police, ITBP/CRPF, and local police.
Difference: Z Plus has a higher number of security personnel and more commandos, offering more comprehensive protection.
Q9: What is the role of NSG commandos in VIP security?
NSG (National Security Guard) commandos are specially trained to handle high-risk threats, including terrorist attacks. They are deployed in Z, Z Plus, and sometimes Y Plus categories for maximum protection.
Q10: Do Bollywood actors and industrialists pay for their VIP security?
Yes, some private individuals like Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan, and others pay for the expenses of personnel, accommodation, and logistics for higher security categories like Z, Z Plus, and Y Plus.
Q11: How often is VIP security reviewed or upgraded?
Security is periodically assessed based on threat perception, public profile, and intelligence reports. The Home Ministry can upgrade, downgrade, or withdraw security at any time depending on the risk assessment.
Q12: Who provides security to judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts?
Judges receive X Category security depending on their constitutional role and public exposure. The security is usually managed by local police along with PSOs.
Q13: Can ordinary citizens request VIP security if they feel threatened?
No. Only individuals holding significant or influential positions are eligible. Ordinary citizens rely on state police protection based on local threat assessment.
Q14: What is the V Plus category of security?
V Plus is one of the mid-level VIP security categories. It typically includes security personnel and PSOs, but fewer commandos compared to Z or Z Plus. Bollywood stars like Salman Khan have been assigned V Plus protection.
Q15: What determines the category of security assigned to a person?
The Home Ministry decides based on:
Threat severity
Likelihood of attack
Individual’s public profile
Intelligence reports from IB, RAW, and other agencies
Q16: Is SPG security only for the Prime Minister?
Yes. The Special Protection Group (SPG) provides the highest level of security exclusively to the Prime Minister of India and their immediate family, in India and abroad.
Q17: What is the cost of providing VIP security?
Government-funded if security is based on threat perception.
High-level security like Z/Z Plus may require personal funding by the VIP for personnel accommodation and logistics.
Q18: How does the government assess threat levels for VIPs?
Threat assessment is done by intelligence agencies like IB and RAW. They consider factors such as:
Potential threats from criminals or terrorists
Public profile and visibility
Recent incidents or warnings
Q19: What is the difference between Y Plus and Y category security?
Both Y Plus and Y categories include 11 security personnel.
Y Plus: 1–2 commandos + 2 PSOs
Y: No commandos, 2 PSOs only
Q20: Who manages the security for state leaders like Chief Ministers?
The state police and National Security Guard (NSG) manage high-level security for Chief Ministers, based on the assigned category (e.g., Z Plus).
Q21: Can security be withdrawn once it is assigned?
Yes. The Ministry of Home Affairs can withdraw or downgrade security if the threat level decreases or based on updated intelligence reports.
Q22: How long has VIP security been in practice in India?
India’s formal VIP security system dates back to pre-independence, but categories like SPG were established in 1988, and Z/Z Plus/Y categories were gradually standardized over the years.
Q23: Are there security protocols for VIPs traveling abroad?
Yes. SPG, Z Plus, and certain VIPs are escorted by commandos or security personnel abroad, coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and local authorities.
Q24: Do celebrities always get government-funded security?
Not always. Many Bollywood actors and industrialists pay for their own security, especially for higher-cost categories like Z, Z Plus, or Y Plus.
Q25: What is the role of PSOs in VIP security?
PSOs (Personal Security Officers) are assigned to each VIP to provide close protection, accompany them during movements, and coordinate with other security personnel.
Q26: How are threats identified for assigning security?
Threats are assessed based on:
Intelligence inputs (IB, RAW)
Past incidents or attacks
Media exposure and public role
Political or business influence
Q27: Can VIP security include vehicles and communication support?
Yes. VIP security often involves convoys, armored vehicles, communication devices, and a detailed protocol for safe movement.
Q28: Which ministry approves and monitors VIP security in India?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) oversees, approves, and periodically reviews security arrangements for VIPs.
Q29: Are there any legal provisions governing VIP security?
Yes. SPG, Z, Z Plus, and other categories operate under government acts and guidelines, including the SPG Act 1988.
Q30: Can private events or functions request government security for VIPs?
Generally no. Security is provided only based on official threat assessment. Private arrangements may hire private security, but government protection is rare unless the VIP qualifies under official categories.
Q31: How does VIP security adapt to emergencies or sudden threats?
Security personnel are trained for emergency evacuation, anti-terror operations, and crowd management. Protocols are regularly updated for evolving threats.
Q32: Are there differences in security for politicians vs. celebrities?
Yes. Politicians often have Z/Z Plus or Y Plus based on threat level, while celebrities may receive Y, Y Plus, V Plus, or X category, sometimes at their own expense.
Q33: Is there public awareness of who gets VIP security?
Some information is publicly available through government notifications, but detailed arrangements are usually kept confidential for safety reasons.
