Infosys becomes first pvt firm to get CISF security cover

Bangalore, July 31 (PTI) Software giant Infosys Friday
came under the security blanket of Central Industrial Security
Force (CISF), becoming the first Indian private firm to be
protected by the force which usually guard government
installations.

The commencement of the CISF deployment at the Infosys
campus was marked with the hoisting of the CISF flag by
company chairman and chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy followed
by a ceremonial guard of honour by the force and the official
handing over of the security keys by the Infosys.

The Bangalore-headquartered Infosys, which was reported
to be on terror radar, had approached the Union Home Ministry
earlier this year for a protective cover over and above the
capabilities of their own private security wings and agencies.

This is the CISF's first assignment after the force was
mandated to protect the private sector with an amendment in
the CISF Act in January this year following the Mumbai terror
attack.

"This is the first time, since its creation in 1969, that
the CISF will be providing security cover to a corporate
organisation in India," CISF Inspector General R K Mishra
said.

CISF would deploy 101 personnel, comprising 70 per cent
jawans, to ensure "unobtrusive but all inclusive security", he
said.

Infosys, India's second largest software exporter, would
incur a cost of Rs one lakh per day and Rs 3.6 crore annually
for the security cover provided by the Central force.

The cost structure was similar to the public sector being
charged for these services.

Murthy said Infosys had been in discussion with India's
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram
for providing protection to the "visible signs of progress
India has made in the last 20 years", which included
extraordinary institutions, educational institutions and
companies like Infosys, which had created jobs and raised
India's image.

"We are happy again to have broken new grounds", he said
referring to Infosys being the first private firm to receive
the CISF cover, adding, "We are the most secure corporate
entity today."

He said, "while the mandate to keep a distance between
CISF and ourselves as demanded by protocol remained, we will
show our abundant affection and respect." CISF would not be
involved in daily frisking or gate checks but would watch all
activities.

CISF security will ensure "armed" protection for the firm
with the help of Quick Reaction Teams and commando units,
besides the existing security, and access control measures
deployed by Infosys.

"It will be a seamless integration," Mishra said when
asked about the coordination with the firm's security force.

In case of an armed attack, the CISF, which had been well
equipped, would follow the principle of "delay of entry,
denial of entry and neutralising those trying to attack".

Infosys would also extend the CISF to its Mysore campus
and subsequently elsewhere if needed. The number of 101
personnel might also be augmented if required, Mohandas Pai,
member of the Infosys Board, said. PTI