14 october 2024 : Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, has been granted Z category security by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), according to officials familiar with the situation.
While specific reasons for the new security arrangement were not disclosed, it was confirmed that Paswan was assigned this protection on October 10. Previously, his security was managed by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and did not include Z category coverage, which is the second highest level of security. An official noted, “The orders for the Z category cover were issued on October 10. We are unsure about the reasons behind this change. Security assessments are conducted by central agencies and are reviewed every six months.”
Security categories range from X to Z plus, with ministers typically receiving Y to Z plus protection. Z plus offers the highest level of security, involving around 48 armed personnel who provide round-the-clock protection, along with commandos stationed at the residence and additional escort vehicles, including an ambulance.
Under Z category protection, at least 36 trained commandos from the CRPF will be assigned to Paswan, along with an escort vehicle. These commandos will work in shifts to ensure constant security, with approximately 10 stationed at his residence.
Last year, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar was also granted Z category security by the CRPF due to threats from separatist groups.