Blue Book & Yellow Book of security protocols

• The Centre has sought a response from the West Bengal government regarding alleged protocol violations and other lapses at an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu in Darjeeling district.

• President Murmu expressed her disappointment over the low turnout at the 9th International Santhal Conclave near Bagdogra airport in Siliguri on March 7.

• The President’s programme was initially scheduled to be held at Phansidewa but was later shifted to a venue at Bidhannagar, a few kilometres away from Bagdogra airport, citing security protocols.

• She questioned the sudden shift of the venue from Phansidewa and noted the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during the visit.

Centre seeks response from state govt

• The Union Home Secretary has sent a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary requesting a detailed report on the violations of the rules in the ‘Blue Book’.

• The letter also sought clarification from the state government regarding the absence of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police (DGP) to receive the President upon her arrival in the state. 

• It noted that only the Siliguri mayor was present to welcome her, which constitutes a breach of protocol.

What is ‘Blue Book’?

• Security arrangements for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister are made in accordance with the guidelines contained in their respective Blue Books issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Special Protection Group (SPG) Act.

• The security arrangements are provided as per the provisions of the relevant Blue Book.

• It lists each and every security detail that needs to be followed during the leader’s movement.

• The security arrangements for the former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members, are regulated by the provisions of the Special Protection Group(SPG) Act, 1988 and Special Security Schemes formulated for the purpose.

What is ‘Yellow Book’?

• Security arrangements for other political personalities are made as per the guidelines laid down in the ‘Yellow Book’ titled ‘Security arrangement for the protection of individuals’. 

• The security arrangements for such individuals are made after careful assessment of their threat perception emanating from terrorists /militant/fundamentalist outfits and organised criminal gangs. 

• The degree of threat varies from individual to individual, depending on factors, such as nature of activities, status, and likely gains for the terrorists, etc. 

• Accordingly, categorised security cover (Z+, Z, Y & X) is provided to them on the basis of gravity of the threat.

• The security provided is periodically reviewed by a committee specially constituted for this purpose.

• Certain categories of individuals, such as Union Ministers, state Chief Ministers and judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, are provided positional/statutory security cover to facilitate bold and impartial decision making.

• Security cover to individuals, including MPs is provided only on the basis of individual threat perception. State governments have their own criteria to provide security to MPs. The list of MPs provided security under various categories is not maintained centrally.