Lungar Gupp VII

Hi Folks,
The following gems were gathered at the 4th Security Managers Conference which was held on 26 Dec 2005 at Mumbai :

1. Security Officers are likely to be recruited from CISF as the Bank could not find candidates from SC and ST categories to fill up the backlog. Only 8 general side and 3 OBC candidates are likely to join as a result of the recently concluded interviews. A total of 33 vacancies in the cadre exist at present.
2. At one of the Centres an interviewee was shown around the entire premises by one of our friends (security area included) and the candidate was very smart in letting out this information to the interview board. This disturbed the Board to no end (and rightly so). We should refrain from overdoing such things. This is height of hospitality I must say.

3. Our friend Murugan is going to Patna at long last.

Security Managers' Conference - 26 Dec 2005

The 4th Security Managers' Conference was held at Mumbai on 26 Dec 2005. The conference will be remembered by me for a long time to come not because of the content thereof but because of the harrowing time I had at the airport - thanks to Incredible India's flagbearer "Indian" (the recently renamed Indian Airlines). Old wine in new bottle guys - changing the name or the logo will obviously not improve the sorry state of affairs at IA. Myself and Maj Rajeev were sweating on the ride to the airport whether we would make it on time or not. We need'nt have. The flight scheduled to take off at 8.30 PM ultimately took off at 1.00 AM and I reached home at the ungodly hour of 3.00 AM on 27 th Dec.

Anyway, the conference was basically a repetition of those held in earlier years. The same hackeneyed points were thrashed and flogged to death yet again. The powers that be seemed open to suggestions as far as Premises Dept was concerned. How it translates into action at ground level remains to be seen. CGM, HRDD gave a lot of "gyan" aimed at reviving the spirits of 'old and weary' and some motivational inputs for the youngsters to boot. He said that there was no embargo on foriegn training for Security Officers (much to the relief of everyone present).

During the first half of the session when an in-house discussion sans the HODs was conducted, I was surprised that some our colleagues were still in the "I, Me, Myself" mode. Some also resorted to the old rhetoric "I started so and so practice over there". Grow up guys !!! We all know "kaun kitne pani mein hai" since our "janampatris" have been so well advertised.

Overall the administrative arrangements were good (good lunch, tea and snacks), the parting gift (a sturdy strolley bag) excellent and the actual content a "damp squib". Some of the points for discussion were conveniently omitted by the CSC (I wonder why ??)

Finally, a word about our colleagues at Mumbai office. Thanks a lot guys - for going out of your way to make our stay at Mumbai comfortable. My friends Toms and Moudgil even found time to come over to the Grand Hotel and look us up. That was great and made our trip to Mumbai worthwhile !! Keep up the good work.

SEASONS GREETINGS

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Belated greetings for Christmas to all. Since I left Bangalore on 25th Dec to attend the Security Managers' Conference at Mumbai this could not be posted earlier. Here's wishing everyone a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2006.

Video Surveillance

(Courtesy CSO Magazine – Sep 2005)
Camera Speed Counts
How many frames per second do you need for your surveillance project? It depends. Thirty frames per second, used by televisions in the U.S., is the gold standard, but it’s often unnecessary, says Aaron Chesler, NiceVision’s director of sales for the Eastern region. But video quality with 15 fps is usually good enough he says. With 15 fps, you also use only half as much bandwidth and disk space (measured below in units).
Some typical frame rates:

Speed: 3.75 fps
Video quality: Jumpy
Uses: Commercial buildings, branch banks, ATMs
Storage required: 1 unit
Speed: 15 fps
Video quality: fairly smooth
Uses: Most applications (for example, train stations, airports, trading floors, call centers)
Storage required: 4 units
Speed: 24 fps
Video quality: smooth to the human eye, real-time
Uses: U.S. movies
Storage required: 6 units
Speed: 30 fps
Video quality: real-time
Uses: U.S. televisions, casino gaming floors, high-security government areas, military
Storage required: 8 units
This article is a part of the Surveillance Field Guide story titled "Hidden Camera"

Delhi Metro - My First Ride

When I was in Delhi last week attending the International Seminar on Total Loss Prevention at Hotel Le Meridien our friends at RBI, Delhi advised me to take a trip on the newly commissioned Delhi Metro Rail Service. So I took time off during lunch hours one day to get a feel of the same. Three other colleagues from the Bank were also with me on this occasion. We walked across to the Patel Chowk station and bought tickets for Chawri Bazaar (though we wanted to go to Chandni Chowk). The tickets are in the form of round plastic tokens which have an addressable microchip embedded within. The frequency of the trains is 4-5 minutes so one does not have to wait for long periods at the station. We boarded our train and reached Chawri Bazaar in 7-8 minutes even though the train stopped for a minute each at intermediate stations of Rajiv Chowk and New Delhi Railway Station. On getting down at Chawri Bazaar we went to the exit point which was manned by a sentry and told him that our station was one stop further. He guided us to the adjacent ticket counter where we tendered our tokens and the difference in fare amounting to one rupee each and our tokens were refreshed with the fresh data. Thereafter we caught another train and reached Old Delhi Railway Station in a couple of minutes or so. We got out towards Chandni Chowk and purchased sweets at the famous "Ghantewala" sweet shop and returned to Patel Chowk which is a short walk away from Hotel Le Meridien. At the destination we had to put our tokens in the slot built into the turnstile which lifts the barrier allowing one to walk through. The whole round trip including the shopping did not even last an hour. Kudos to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for making a world class rapid mass transport system possible well within the target date. Earlier the idea of visiting old Delhi was out of question unless one was prepared to sweat it out for 3-4 hours. The entire system is comparable with the London tube railway as well as the New York subway. In fact I liked it better than both of them in terms of cleanliness and efficiency. India is really shining Guys !!!

International Seminar - IISSM

Hi Friends,

I had the privelege of attending the XVth International Seminar on Total Loss Prevention Programme conducted by the International Institute of Security and Safety Management at Hotel Le Meridien from 6th to 9th December 2005. Sadly the RBI representation was miniscule as compared to other organisations. Only three other officers besides me attended the programme. This seminar was atended by 91 participants besides faculty and other officials. This was an excellent opportunity to interact with security service providers, equipment manufacturers and security practitioners from various organisations as also to learn something new about Security Management. The programme was conducted professionally and was well taken by all the participants.

Security Managers Conference - 26 Dec 2005

Hi Guys,

All offices were required to forward their suggestions for discussion in the subject conference by 25th of this month. The objectives spelt out in the Central Office letter which the said conference is 'purported' to serve, I must confess, went completely over my head. Nevertheless I have asked my office to forward the following points for discussion :

(a) Standardisation of Security Procedures. Procedures and practices relating Security matters should be uniformly followed at all the Centres. This includes chain of command, creation of identity, following best practices and standard operating procedures.

(b) User Interface during Technological Intervention. Security Managers should be involved at the siting stage whenever introduction of new technology related to Security is contemplated by the Bank. More often than not Security Managers have to contend with outdated technology and the installer of a particular gadget has his way in the siting the equipment.

(c) Career Prospects for Security Guards. The Bank may think about a three tier career progression for Security Guards/Durwans. Starting from the base level to Head Security Guard and then on to Security Supervisor or ACT so that morale is maintained.

(d) Career Progression for Security Officers. With the induction of 27 more Security Officers at Grade ‘A’ level the total strength of the cadre will swell up to 115 officers. A majority ( 92 %) of these officers will be in Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’. There is an urgent requirement for increasing the posts at Grade ‘C’ level (which have shrunk to just five posts) so as to ensure that Security Officers continue to give their best to the organization and do not get frustrated.

"Better Verify Your Sources"

It was autumn. The Red Indians on the remote reservation asked their new Chief if the winter was going to be severe or mild. Since he was a Red Indian Chief in a modern society, he had never been taught old secrets; when he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell how the weather was going to be. Nevertheless, to be safe, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be bad and that the everybody should collect wood and be prepared. Being a practical leader, he had an idea after a few days. He went to the phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked "Is the coming winter going to be bad?" "It looks like this winter is going to be terrible," the meteorologist at the weather service responded. So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more wood in order to be prepared.

A week later, he called the National Weather Service again. "Is it going to be a cold winter?" "Yes," the man at National Weather Service again replied, "It definitely will be very severe". The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of wood they could find. Two weeks later, he called the National Weather Service again. "Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going tobe very cold?" "Absolutely," the man replied. "It's going to be one of the coldest winters ever.""How can you be so sure?" the Chief asked. The weatherman replied, "The Red Indians are collecting wood like crazy".

P.S. This reminds me of the sitreps we have seen in service regarding activities across the border based on supposedly authentic "sources"!!!

Dont Change The World

Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled a prosperous country. One day, he went for a trip to some distant areas of his country. When he came back to his palace, he complained that his feet were very painful, because it was the first time that he went for such a long trip, and the road that he went through was very rough and stony.

He then ordered his people to cover every road of the entire country with leather. Definitely, this would need thousands of cows' skin, and would cost a huge amount of money. Then one of his wise servants dared to tell the king, "Why do you have to spend that unnecessary amount of money ? Why don't you just cut a little piece of leather to cover your feet ?"

The king was surprised, but he later agreed to his suggestion, to make a "shoe" for himself.

There is actually a valuable lesson of life in this story : to make this world a happy place to live in, you better change yourself - your heart; and not the world . . .

Lungar Gupp VI

Hi Guys,

Following is the latest "gupshup" :

1. Height of Fraternisation. A senior colleague has recently been hauled up for boozing it up with the Security Guards ( of all the people in the Bank). For God's sake guys dont take fraternisation to such heights !! If you are so starved for company - go it alone ( " ekla chalo re") - but DONT RESORT TO SUCH STUNTS. As it is, the collective image of our cadre is taking a beating, so please dont make matters worse.

2. Dereliction of Duty or What ?? Another colleague has been issued a chargesheet for not performing his duty properly. Please make sure that you know what you are supposed do in whatever area you are working viz : Security, Protocol, Maintenance or CCTV. Such cases are a dampener of spirits for all of us. So let us not get caught on the wrong foot (or with our pants down !!).

3. Career Progression. The Security Adviser, it is learnt, has promised to include the point regarding our career progression and the resultant frustration in his openeing remarks in the forthcoming "Security Managers' Conference", which , by the way , is scheduled to be held on 26 Dec 2005 at Mumbai. I will put up a post regarding this after I have attended the said meeting.

That's it for now. Happy Boozing and Happy Working !! Ciao !!!

It's all about STRATEGY

A blind man sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet and a sign that read: "I AM BLIND PLEASE HELP". A creative publicist was walking by him and stopped to observe, that he only had a few coins in his hat. He dropped a few more coins into his hat and without saying anything, took the sign, turned it around, and wrote something on it...................... .

He placed back the sign by the blind man's feet and left. That afternoon the creative publicist passed by the blind man again and noticed that his hat was now full of bills and coins. The blind man recognized his footsteps and asked if he had re-written his sign and wanted to know what he actually wrote? The publicist responded: "Nothing that was not true, I just re-wrote your sign differently".

He smiled and went on his way. The blind man never knew, but his new sign read:"TODAY IS SPRING, BUT I CANNOT SEE IT".

Moral of the story:Change your strategy, when something does not go your way. Present your view in a different way, when things are not working out. A change in strategic outlook, can turn our life around !!

P.S. Maybe a change of strategy on our part regarding our career progression will make the management take notice of our plight !!

Lungar Gupp - V

Hello Guys,

1. It is believed that the latest circular regarding the award of "Barsati" designation of Grade C to those of us who are drawing more than Rs 15950/- basic pay is NOT a fallout of the representation made by Chennai office for sanction of additional posts of Grade C in our cadre.

2. Our friends at Mumbai are planning to take up the same issue with the authorities after the wage settlement for officers is over in another couple of days.

3. The CGM i/c, DAPM was in station and I had the opportunity to listen to his address which was very enlightening. He emphasised the point that he advocates an 'open door policy' and his mantra is to treat everyone like 'family'. Taking a cue from that, may I request my friends at Mumbai to apprise him about our problems. He told me that he is willing to do whatever is possible 'within the ambit of the rules and regulations'.

Security Cadre - The Road Ahead

With the recruitment of 27 officers in Grade 'A' which will be undertaken shortly, the strength of our cadre will swell up to 115 from the present 88. The gradewise distribution after taking into account the recent 18 promotiions from Grade 'A' to 'B' will be as follows :

Grade----No. of Posts--- % of Total
--'A'-----------65-----------56.5
--'B'-----------40-----------34.8
--'C'-----------05------------4.3
--'D'-----------04------------3.5 *
--'E'-----------01-------------.9

(NB 1.* one post not yet filled.

2.Kindly ignore the dashes in between the figures, these are courtesy formatting errors.)

The impact of the above mentioned figures can be better felt when they are seen on a pie or a column chart. Instead of a pyramidical structure what do we have here ?? I have no idea what this figure should be called. A whopping 91.3 % of the officers will be Grade 'A' and 'B'. So where will these blokes go thereafter ?? End of the road man !! Whither goest thou ?? Quo Vadis ??? Start praying and meanwhile keep braying too. Maybe the powers that be will relent after listening to your combined cry.

Posts on Security - II

Watch Your Step Around This Security Device
(This post has been reproduced from a mail sent to me by Toms)

Finnish scientists have created a security system for mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices, based on identifying the owners' walking styles.The new technology is being tested by Helsinki-based VTT Technical Research Centre, CNN reports. Its creators say it could be commercially available within three years, and may prevent millions of portable appliances being stolen every year.Research professor Heikki Ailisto told CNN that the system involved fitting electronic devices with sensors, which monitored their owners' walking styles. Because devices such as mobile phones and PDAs were often kept in pockets or on belt clips, the sensors actively monitor the way the owner walks when the device is used for the first time.The measurements are saved in the sensor's memory and the sensors then monitor the walking style of anyone who carries the device. "The acceleration sensor measures the frequency of your steps and how high your step is," Ailisto says."It learns your walking style in the first day. If the walking style is similar enough, then you are the rightful owner of the device. If it strongly decides this has been stolen, then it will lock the device and ask you for a password."Ailisto says the identification method came about when two researchers, one who worked in biometrics and another in human motion and fitness, worked together to come up with the idea.Previous security systems that used a person's movements to identify them had involved closed circuit television monitors, whereas the Finnish system was based on advanced computation, Ailisto concludes.

Promotion Interviews "Grade A to B"

Hi Folks,

I have had an opportunity to talk to most of the guys who faced the promotion interviews at Mumbai on 18th and 19th October 2005. All of them were sounding pretty satisfied with their performances. This was the best time for all these guys to face the interview as only 19 guys were interviewed for 18 vacancies. They sure are lucky blokes !!! Well here's wishing them all success and glory. Congrats to all.

Yet Another Interesting Mail Forward

Management : The Story of 8 Monkeys
(This is based on an actual experiment conducted in U.K.)

Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling. Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up. Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.

One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing the obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why. However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder.

A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.

One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why.
This is how any company's policies get Established.

Lungar Gupp IV

Hi folks,

Firstly, here's wishing all the best to the guys who are going to face the interviews at Mumbai on 18 and 19 October. Give it your best shot !!

Secondly, have you all heard about one obnoxious character being dumped into the cold storage ?? Ahhh !! That was sweet music to the ears. No prizes for guessing.

Thirdly, for those of us who get carried away by the latest circular regarding revision of designations - do remember to have two sets of visiting cards printed (one for OUTSIDERS and one for INSIDERS) and keep them separately in boxes duly marked thus. Remember if you get caught mixing up the two or try to pull off a smart act by giving away only the "FALSE" designation visiting cards to everyone - you will be PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT UNDER THE STAFF REGULATIONS.

"Barsati" Designation

Hi Guys,

Have you all seen the new circular regarding revision of designations of Security officers ?? I got a copy from our friends at Mumbai and am still at a loss for words to describe my consternation. I am amazed at how the Bank expects us to adopt such double standards. This bolt out of the blue really takes the cake as far as wierd decisions taken by our wise policy makers is concerned. Imagine a situation where one presents his visiting card to an outsider declaring him to be an AGM (P&S) and the outsider lands up at the Bank at a later date to meet him only to learn that the guy is er! oh!! ahem!!! a Manager (P&S). The visitor would be too embarrassed to even discuss the issue but would surely bring it to the notice of his friends about the fraud being perpetrated by Security Officers of RBI. I hope this latest circular is not a fallout of the representation sent by RD, Chennai about our career progression. If so, then the message is clear - "you can have the pay and perks of an AGM and you can even lie about your designation (only to outsiders) BUT YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN THE DESIGNATION BEING DEMANDED BY YOU".

National Pride

Guys !! This is yet another mail forward which I came across and felt I must share it with you all.

Dear Friends,

Here is a personal experience, as well as a moment of national pride, which I want to share with you. Hope you find it worth the time you put in reading it :

"In the middle of 1965 India-Pakistan war, US govt - then a close friend of Pakistan - threatened India with stopping food-aid (remember "PL-480"?). For a food deficient India this threat was serious and humiliating. So much so that in the middle of war, Prime Minister (Late) Lal Bahadur Shastri went to Ram Leela Grounds in Delhi and appealed to each Indian to observe one-meal-fast every week to answer the American threat. As a school boy, I joined those millions who responded to Shastri ji's call.

I continued the fast even when the war was over and India became self sufficient in food. Hurt deep by the national humiliation suffered at the hands of the US govt, I had vowed to stop my weekly fast only when India starts giving aid to USA.

It took just 40 years. Last week THE day arrived. When Indian ambassador in Washington DC handed over a cheque of US$ 50 million to the US govt, two plane loads of food, medical aid and other relief materials were waiting to fly to the USA. Time to break the fast? With no bad feeling about the USA, and good wishes for the Katrina victims, this humble Indian feels proud of the distance India has covered in 40 years. Let's celebrate a New India!"

- Vijay Kranti.

Dean - IIT Madras

Positive Thinking

12 Steps to a Positive Attitude ( This dose is required in view of the bleak and uncertain future we are facing today)

More than 100 years ago, author Robert Louis Stevenson offered the following tips for maintaining a positive attitude. They still apply today.

1· Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.
2· Make the best of your circumstances. Everyone has problems. The trick is to make laughter outweigh the tears.
3· Don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall others.

4· You can’t please everybody. Don’t let criticism worry you.

5· Don’t let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself.

6· Do the things you enjoy doing, but stay out of debt.
7· Don’t borrow trouble. Imaginary burdens are harder to bear than the actual ones.

8· Hate poisons the soul, so don’t carry grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.

9· Have many interests. If you can’t travel, read about new places.

10·Don’t hold post-mortems. Don’t spend your life brooding over sorrows and mistakes. 11· Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

12· Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Mail Forwards - Thought I Must Share This One

Never Miss The First Opportunity

A young man wished to marry a farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and said, "Son, go stand out in that field. I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."
The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.
The barn door opened again. Unbelievable !! He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed... but the bull had no tail!! Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available. So always grab the first opportunity .

Langar Gupp III

Hi,

Here are two gems which I got at CAB, Pune. The first is that there are 18 vacancies for Grade B in our cadre (instead of 14 as reckoned earlier) . So best of luck to all the blokes who are being called for interviews on 18 and 19 Oct 2005. This is a special occasion for the first timers - they are going to become Grade B with just 5 years of service. This is a good sign and well deserved (in fact the intake itself should be at this level). The second is that foreign training assignments may yet come our way ( that is what the ED said). Dont go bursting crackers and dont pack your stuff as yet !!! More on this later.

Training Programme at CAB, Pune

Hello Everyone,

I had the opportunity to interact with the participants of the First Programme on Security Management for Security Officers of RBI at CAB, Pune on 23/24 Sep 2005. A majority of them appreciated the programme in terms of course content. The inclusion of HR topics was a first time initiative which, I believe, was well taken. The course coordinator and Capt Nair deserve a pat on the back for this. Training inputs go a long way in refreshing our memory in addition to learning something new every time we attend such programmes. Such gatherings also provide an excellent platform to air and share our views regarding our profession, updating our knowledge and of course to dispel our doubts regarding hearsay events. It is one thing to hear of an event from a third party and pass judgement and an entirely different ballgame to look one squarely in the eye and get to the crux of the issue. It is easy to get up on a moral high horse and sermonise. I met some of our friends who are "more sinned at than sinning". My advice to them is to maintain a low profile for some time and not to ruffle any more feathers. Thankfully, everyone has a very short memory in our wonderful organisation, so do your job quietly and get rid of the tag attached to you. The highlight of the programme was the address by ED (Administration) who exhorted all the Security Officers to work with the same zeal and dedication as they were doing in the Defence Services. He gave an extempore lecture the content of which was motivational and full of pep. The weather at Pune was a let down as it was raining most of the time.

P.S. - Capt Nair had one big crib : all the participants gleefully accepted their free T-Shirts and Caps but never turned up for the YOGA classes. NOT DONE GUYS !!!!

Training Time

Hello Guys,

It is training time now. Besides a training programme being conducted at the College of Agricultural Banking, Pune, (at last !!) from 19 to 24 Sep 2005 the International Institute of Safety & Security Management, New Delhi is conducting a Professional Certification Course on Advanced Technologies in Bank Security Management at Kolkata from 26 Sep to 01 Oct 2005. On successful completion of the latter course the participants will be awarded a Professional Certificate viz: "Certified Security & Safety Manager (CSM)". Certification is a step in the right direction by Institutes conducting various training programmes for Security Officers. Taking a leaf out of programmes conducted by ASIS which awards coveted certificates such as CPP and PSP this practice is a welcome step by the trainers. As such courses gain acceptability and Industry Standards are established in terms of course utility, syllabii, faculty support and participation such certificates will also be held in high esteem in times to come. By the way ISSM is conducting it's XVth Annual International Seminar at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi from 06 to 09 Dec 2005. It is worthwhile to visit the IISSM website to view the details of courses being run by them. Those of you who can convince your RDs for necessary sanction (course fees upto Rs 10,000/-) HAVE A GO AT IT !! Best of luck.

The KING of Good Times

Hi Guys,

After the interview for AGM (P&S) was over at Mumbai on Saturday the 3rd of September I took off for Delhi (2 days Casual Leave) by Kingfisher Airlines. I am posting this blog just to narrate my experiences on flying Kingfisher for the first time. I took the same airline for my Delhi - Bangalore trip too. And what a fantastic experience it was. Here goes :

1. The on time record was flawless (infact it landed before time on both occasions)

2. In flight hospitality was excellent.

3. The air-hostesses were real stunners.

4. In flight cuisine was just too good and appropriate - replete with menu card and choice of cold drinks. (the croissant provided was better than the ones I had tasted abroad)

5. Good collection of reading material available and the magazine (named "Hi") was also good.

6. A personal TV screen at the back of the seat in front gives one a choice of 5 video channels.

7. 10 audio channels to choose from for music lovers.

8. Extra wide seats and spacious legroom.

9. Every passenger gets a complimentary pouch (red of course) containing a pen, candy, face tissue and a headset which one can take away after using it on the flight. (a gift for the youngster at home eh ??)

10. Soothing music prior to take off and after landing ( I can still hear the strains of the instrumental "You are my everything !!!")

11. The fare for Mumbai - Delhi and Delhi - Bangalore, combined was Rs 7200/- ( value for money)

12. The safety intructions are given by the model Yana Gupta on the TV screen and one is spared the agony of watching the airhostess dish out a mechanical performance.

13. Dr Vijay Mallya speaks out to the passengers at the begining (recorded speech - but he speaks very well)

14. The announcements made by the pilot are clear and crisp ( no static and no telegraphic lingo)

All in all I am hooked. This is an experience which only long haul international flights provide. Getting all this at cheap rates - India is really shining. The other domestic airlines are sure to develop a complex sooner or later. This was a refreshing change after the bitter taste in the mouth while leaving Mumbai (and that too when the bill is being settled on notional basis). I am already looking forward to the next interview (if it will give me a chance to fly Kingfisher again)

Promotion Interview

Hi Folks,
You all are aware that the interviews for promotion to AGM(P&S) were held at RBSB, Byculla on 03 Sep 2005. The heat and humidity of Mumbai was an unpleasant change after the cool climes that we are enjoying at Bangalore. Out of the six interviewees four were old and weary horses and two were fresh and "rearing to go" literally "gnawing at their bits in an effort to run". Well, enough of "horsy" talk. Congrats to my friend Toms for having run a good race (he used to call himself a tortoise earlier!!). I am sure he will have a new found spring in his step now. I was, however, thoroughly disappointed with the type of questions asked by the most learned members of the Board. This is not a case of "sour grapes" as I answered the howlers put to me quite well. I dont know about the others but here is a sampling of what I was asked :

1. What will you do if your RD is taken hostage ? ( I will also become a hostage sir !)

2. You have worked at Guwahati office (that was 5 years ago - my lord !!) so why did you not initiate a note regarding protection to be provided to the senior officers who venture out on duty ? ( senior officers were so shit scared that they did not even move within the city, what to talk of leaving Guwahati)

3. Is Delhi office secure ? (the hell you say !!)

4. In an earthquake how will you evacuate the building ? ( stay indoors, of course)

5. How many entry/exit points are there at RBI, New Delhi ? (innumerable)

6. You have done so and so course - how has it benefitted you ? (what benefit - I went along just to have a well deserved break man)

7. Did you give feedback on so and so course ? (no I did not)

The questions which followed the responses were simply outrageous. (In an earthquake you are supposed to ensure that evacuation is carried out by lifts ). Similiarly I was educated on a lot of other aspects relating to Security.

I was not asked such outlandish questions even when I faced the interview for joining the Bank more than 16 years ago. I am still wondering which of the following was being tested :

1. Professional competence.

2. Traits of personality.

3. Ability to toe the line.

4. Reactions to hypothetical situations.

5. Keeping cool on being cornered.

6. Not getting flustered on being put on the defensive.

7. Fluency in telling lies.

8. The quality of piling it on -"you are absolutely right sir !!"

So my advice to those who will be facing the forthcoming interviews for promotion to Grade `B' is - do not waste time in studying for the interview as it will not serve you in any stead.

Tips for those Hunting Greener Pastures

Resume Writing : Seven errors common to an average resume

1. Too wordy. A résumé should be one page in length (one side only), or two pages at the most. A résumé is primarily an introduction - in the same way an advertisement is primarily an introduction - and should be under conscious control every inch of the way. Basic outline: Position Desired; Summary of Qualifications; Education; Skills; and, Employment.

2. Contains salary requirement. This is a big mistake. If you list a salary requirement it may well appear, to someone who has yet to appreciate your real value, to be too high or too low, and you may never get the chance to explain or elaborate. The thing to do is first make a favorable impression, and evoke some corporate response. There will always be time later to negotiate your salary - after the company decides it likes you and wants you and you're in some kind of bargaining position. It may be that their offer will not require negotiation.

3. "Me-oriented". Excessive use of the word "me", or "I" and prominent use of the phrases such as, "I seek," "my objective," etc. are to be avoided. Employers want to know what you can do for them. You must lead off with and elaborate on your benefit to the employer; play up to what you think are the employer's objectives.

4. Assumes too much reader comprehension. This takes the form of listing and explaining numerous accomplishments, courses taken, etc., not necessarily related to your position or objective.

5. Contains unnecessary and confusing information. (Different from being too wordy). You must be specific. Everything in your résumé should support and point to a single skill/expertise. In advertising, the simplest ad is best. No ad, no matter how high-powered, can sell several concepts at once. Neither can a résumé.

6. Stiff, formal language. Don be flip, but make it readable. Aim for your audience and the people you want to impress. In short, communicate.

7. Includes personal information. Do not include any personal information. Name, home address and contact numbers, that's it.

Langar Gupp II

Hey Guys,

Here are two "careless whispers" doing the rounds lately :

1. Some of our colleagues have been issued marching orders recently. The postings show a trend where local, regional and zonal boundaries have been done away with. Bhopal to Kochi, Delhi to Guwahati, Ahmedabad to Bhopal and not to forget "one gun " Murugan from Bhopal to Patna. Security officers do not get bogged down with minor things like geographical boundaries when it comes to postings !!! The latest "mantra" is to DISLODGE. Dont let the buggers take root eh ?? (That the postings may have been a result of a "self inflicted injury" is entirely a different matter)

2. Some of our friends are not happy with the initiative taken by Chennai office in taking up the issue of our career progression with the Central Office. (Will somebody clear the air on this - I am at my wits' end trying to figure out why)

More on Career Progression

Hi Folks,

Some time back my friends from Chennai office had asked me to refine a draft document regarding the subject. I am attaching the same for those who are interested. The final document which was despatched to Central Office was well drafted and 'proper' insofar as linguistic niceties and officialese are concerned. So, here goes the one which was junked :

"The following has reference to an informal discussion Dr Y.V.Reddy, Governor, had with the officers of the Protocol & Security establishment of this office on 15 July 2005.

2. Inspite of being a support system, Security remains a crucial factor in determining the productivity, growth and development of an organization. As it is a recognised professional area, the use of modern tools and concepts becomes mandatory to achieve effectiveness and efficiency. This sentiment was expressed by the Governor himself during his address in the Security Manager’s Conference held at Bankers Training College on 28 – 29 January 2005. It is evident from the recent events unfolding in India and abroad that terrorism is here to stay and no organization can consider itself immune from this threat. The need of the hour is to be constantly aware of this threat and to put in place a foolproof system of checks and balances which will minimise the chances of any untoward incident from taking place. A host of electronic access control measures and surveillance systems have been installed by the Bank at its various offices and Security Officers are effectively managing the same.

3. In addition to Physical Security, these officers are also playing a vital role in areas such as Protocol, Liaison and Maintenance. It is an established fact that human resource development plays a very important role for the effective discharge of duties by an individual. Although some career progression aspects were addressed recently, an alarming trend being witnessed today is the departure of officers from the security cadre. Some officers have resigned, some have switched over to the general side and some are contemplating future course of action. All this is happening owing to the anomalies which affect a majority of the officers in Grades `A’ and `B’. In a cadre where the total strength is around 90 officers there is only one Grade `E’, five Grade `D’, five Grade `C’ officers and the remaining 80 are in Grade A/B.

4. The existing organisational structure of the cadre which has emerged recently does not project a healthy picture of career progression where the base is broad followed by an inexplicable shrunken middle in the form of only five posts in Grade `C’. The recent upgradation of five Grade`C’ posts to Grade `D’ has snatched all opportunities of reasonable promotional prospects for officers in Grade `B’ who were promoted as far back as 1997. The Protocol & Security establishment in most offices today is headed by a Manager/Assistant Manager who throws little weight with the bureaucracy or heads of institutions with whom he is required to interact. The fact that they are achieving excellent results is owing to their defence forces background and experience. There is an urgent need to empower these officers with suitable designations commensurate with their age and experience. The provision of a running scale in Grade `B’ to `C’ which has recently been declared is no substitute for the actual designation.

5. In view of the foregoing it is requested that Protocol & Security establishment at all offices other than the four metros may be headed by an Assistant General Manager. This will remove the bottleneck which has recently been created and go a long way towards assuaging the feelings of a majority of the Security Officers. "

Brazen Brazilian Bank Robbery - II

This is in continuation of my post regarding the Brazen Bank Robbery dated 16 August 2005.
The photograph on the left is of the house which the thieves had rented and from where they dug the tunnel leading to the Bank. Neighbours said between six and ten men worked at the house, rented in the name of a company making artificial turf. The theft happened over the weekend, but was not discovered until Monday morning because the Bank was closed. Neighbours reported seeing vanloads of material being removed each day. It took the thieves three months to dig the tunnel which goes underneath two city blocks. The Banco Central said the robbers opened five containers with 50 real bills ($22). The value of the stolen bank notes has not yet been determined. However, police sources said the heist may have yeilded as much as 150 million reals, which would make it the biggest bank robbery in Brazil's history. The second photo is of the tunnel taken from inside the Bank

Look Skywards Guys

Planet Mars will be brightest in the night sky starting August. It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will culminate on August 27 when Mars comes to within 35 million miles of earth. Be sure to watch the sky on August 27 at 12:30 AM. It will look like the Earth has two moons. The next time Mars will be this close will be in in the year 2287. Share this with your loved ones and friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

CHEERS FOR BEERS

Hi Folks,
Recently I got a mail forward which I thought I must share with my friends. So here is a good reason to drink lots of BEER :

BUFFALO THEORY
A herd of Buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest Buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weaker members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of Beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
And that is the reason why you always feel smarter after a few Beers .... CHEERS

P.S. In case you invite me over remember I like my Beers mixed with Orange Squash

CBI Cracks Mysore Press Case

Hi Friends,

The HOT news on Sunday was the breakthrough achieved by CBI in cracking the one year old BRBNMPL theft case. Fifty lakh bucks were spirited away (10,000 pieces of freshly printed notes of Rs 500 denomination) and apparently there were no clues when the crime was committed. As many as eight CISF men connived with some employees of BRBNMPL working in the packing, strapping and the main vault and managed the grand theft. The main culprit, constable Sabulal thus had the help of around a dozen people. As per press reports fourteen employees of BRBNMPL were subjected to polygraph and brain mapping tests at the Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore. The tests revealed that three employees had information about the theft. It took the CBI four months to take permission from the court to subject the trio to narco-analysis (truth serum) tests. With the help of forensic psychlogists from FSL the three culprits ultimately spilled the beans which led to the arrests of the CISF personnel and solving of the case. As reported in one particular daily CBI sleuths disguised themselves as preachers and went to Sabulal's house to gather evidence and found some notes of the missing series from the house. They could recover around 30 lakhs and a minibus from Sabulal. Some interesting revelations from this case are as follows :

1. The use of old world methods such as disguising oneself are still useful in investigations.

2. High tech methods used to learn the truth from suspects ( a la Robert Ludlum and John Le Carre and not to forget James Bond movies)

3. Protectors turned marauders ( the lesser said about CISF the better)

4. When the crime took place CCTV reportedly was only being used for surveillance and no recordings were done. ( Dead zones still persist)

5. The alarm system was jammed by the culprit who then entered the vault through an opening meant for Security Checks.

6. The CBI is capable of doing a damn good job in any case entrusted to it provided there is no interference from other quarters.

I think that is enough for now. This is one case which can be discussed for hours on end and valuable lessons pertaining to physical security learnt from it.

Career Progression for Security Officers

Hi Friends,

The case regarding the subject is believed to have been seen by our top management. I have a copy of the letter written by the Regional Director, RBI, Chennai. Those of you who want to have a peek at it can send me a mail for a copy. Let us keep a watch on the further developments and keep our fingers crossed.

Brazen Bank Robbery

"Behind a Brazen Brazilian Burglary"Washington Post (08/10/05) P. D1 ; Lehman, Stan
A group of highly sophisticated thieves was responsible for the $67.8 million bank robbery in Fortaleza, Brazil, this past weekend, according to Brazilian law enforcement authorities. The robbers spent three months constructing a 262-foot long tunnel that stretched from a rented house in the city to a nearby skyscraper housing a Central Bank vault, and the 28-inch high tunnel went under one of the city's busiest and noisiest roads, so no sounds of digging were heard. The tunnel was dug 13 feet beneath the vault's floor, and police say that the thieves apparently cut through the vault's steel-reinforced concrete floor, which was 3.5 feet thick, with a drill, electric saw, blowtorch, and bolt cutter. Once inside the vault, they broke into five containers that contained used Brazilian currency notes worth $22 apiece. Authorities have identified at least eight suspects, though no arrests have been made, and the bank is conducting its own investigation. "We are looking into several aspects of the crime, including why the cameras and motion detectors inside the vault did not function and if the thieves had any inside help," said a spokeswoman for the Central Bank. The thieves placed signs at the rental house indicating that the house was a landscaping company with plants for sale, but neighbors said they never saw the house doing any business. Authorities believe the group of thieves may be the same robbers who stole more than $1 million from a money-transport company last year in a similar scheme in which a 400-foot tunnel was dug from a nearby house to the company's bathroom.

Independence Day

Hi Folks,
I got a mail from a close friend of mine who has sent me the 'Flag Song' on the occasion of our Independence Day. I am attaching the same wishing you all the best . Let us all read the flag song carefully and contemplate on the meaning behind these simple lines. Most of us do not even pronounce the words properly, let alone know what they mean.

( P.S. - Click on the image to view a larger format)

Delinking of Certain Jobs from P&S Cell

A couple of days back I received a mail from my good friend Maj A.K.Moudgil from Mumbai ( 27 other officers from our cadre also must have got it) who has written about delinking of jobs like hotel/VOF booking, managing the car pool, hiring of cars etc from the P&S establishment. He has written about the plight of Protocol Officers who have to face the VIP and be answerable for any lapses connected with the duty as regards accomodation and transport arrangements. Whatever he has mentioned in the mail is valid and relevant. Those of you who have not received the said mail can have a copy from me. I have personally faced some awkward moments in the past (mostly at Delhi) in this connection. However, I would like to mention the flipside here. In my opinion it is OK for the P&S Cell to have control over these areas at major centres as there is enough strength and infrastructure available to ensure that things run smoothly. At smaller centres the P&SO is the Protocol Officer, Security Officer, Liaison Officer, Dealing Clerk, Telephone Operator, Handyman all rolled into one besides heading the Cell. Moreover the visits of VIPs are not very frequent. Having liberalised the use of Esteem AC cars for officers down to DGM level, the P&S Cell at smaller centres will be burdened with requests for hotel and transport from all and sundry most of the time if we take on this job. At my centre these jobs are being handled by DAPM and I am not cribbing. I have no hesitation to mention this fact to anyone who cares to ask me or has the temerity to ask for related favours. So that's it guys!! I am not keen on reversing the process over here. Another colleague I know has given me some food for thought : " If there is no uniformity in putting across our demands it is better to maintain status quo ". I could not agree more.

Hunting Greener Pastures - 2

Here are some websites for those of my friends who are still chasing the rainbow and hoping to find that elusive pot of gold. Check them out guys :
1. www.jobsecurity.co.uk
2. www.gulfjobsites.com
3. www2.csoonline.com
4. www.careerage.com
Happy hunting !!!

Promotion Delayed is as good as Promotion Denied

It sure gladdens the heart to to come to terms with the fantastic "panel year concept" which is being followed for promotions from one grade to another. In our cadre the interview for a Grade 'C' post (ONE) which fell vacant owing to the retirement of Mr Vijay Bhatt in June 2003 was held in April 2004 and the promotion effected in May/June 2004. The time lag between retirement of one colleague and promoting another was nearly one year. This time again we are about to have interviews for ONE post in Grade 'C' which fell vacant owing to the premature 'easing out' of Mr I. Balaretna Singh in January 2004. This vacancy was reckoned for as on 31 December 2004 as per the panel year concept. The interview for this post is being held in Sep 2005. By the time the interview result will be put into effect it may be nearly end of this year. That means the time lag will be nearly TWO years now. At this rate 'God save future aspirants' !!!

Any idea if such a concept exists elsewhere ???

Interview for the post of AGM (P&S)

The interview for one vacant post in Grade 'C' in our cadre is slated for 03 September 2005 if the grapevine is to be beleived. So this is for all the "old and weary" participants - BEST OF LUCK GUYS. See you all at Mumbai on Saturday the 3rd Sep. Bye for now.

Evacuation Drill - Checklist for Observer

Some time back we conducted an evacuation drill in our office. The safety squad members were briefed about their duties in advance but were not told as to when the drill would be held. A checklist was made for the observer (a senior officer) who would make a note of all the activities taking place. His feedback would prove to be invaluable for further improvements in the conduct of such drills. The said drill went off very well. The list which is attached herewith is not made in any particular sequence and is not exhaustive. Suggestions for improvements are, as usual, very welcome.

POINTS TO CHECK DURING EVACUATION DRILL

1. Was the announcement for evacuation audible at all floors and understood by all members of the staff.
2. Type of evacuation ordered – either partial or full.
3. Were escape routes marked properly.
4. Were all the lifts grounded or not.
5. How long did it take for the evacuation to complete.
6. Was the evacuation carried out in an orderly manner – no panic or running.
7. Did the floor marshals and deputy floor marshals carry out their duties properly.
8. Were all the safety squad members aware of their duties and responsibilities.
9. Did the floor marshals and deputy floor marshals guide members of the staff from their respective floors.
10. How long did it take to establish the control room.
11. Did the rescue and search party search the toilets, book room, lift lobbies and disused spaces for anyone left behind.
12. Were handicapped personnel helped by the search and rescue party in the evacuation or not.
13. Were the floor marshals last to vacate their respective floors after ensuring total evacuation.
14.Evacuation through the staircases should be in an orderly manner and in two lines – was this aspect taken care of ?
15. All occupants should go down once the order to evacuate is given – did anyone go up ?
16. Was the assembly area known to the occupants.
17.Was the assembly area clearly marked.
18.Did the BMO and his team set up a medical aid point.
19.Did the Estate Dept officials perform their duties as given in the Disaster Management Plan.
20. Was a head count taken after everyone had gathered in the assembly area.
21. Was anyone seen going back inside the building after the evacuation was completed.
22. Were visitors (if any) briefed about what to do by the Security staff.
23. Was there any running, pushing, overtaking or shouting during evacuation.
24. Was anyone left behind in the building after the evacuation was completed.
25. Were the members of staff debriefed after the evacuation drill was successfully completed.
26. Were the neighbouring organizations, Police and Fire Brigade informed about the evacuation drill.

Checklist - Fire Safety Arrangements

An idea was mooted in the last Internal Security Committee Meeting that CSAA could be used as a good tool by RDs to know about their state of preparedeness as regards Fire Safety arrangements. Consequently yours truly was asked to prepare a checklist which was easy to understand even by a lay person. Following is the list which I have prepared. Suggestions for improvement are welcome.
LIST OF ITEMS TO BE CHECKED – FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
1. Are adequate number of Fire Extinguishers available at every floor.
2. Are the Fire Extinguishers available in sufficient quantity to fight every class of fire.
3. Are the Fire Extinguishers conforming to ISO rating or having ISI mark.
4. When were they last checked by the maintenance contractor.
5. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
6. Are the extinguishers located at easily accessible places.
7. Have the extinguishers been properly fixed.
8. Have the instructions for use been prominently displayed next to each extinguisher.
9. Are the instructions printed in different languages (English, Hindi and Kannada)
10. When were the extinguishers last checked for serviceability.
11. Has any training been imparted to the members of the staff in the use of fire extinguishers.

WET RISER SYSTEM
1. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
2. Is the hydrant system working properly.
3. When was the system last checked for serviceability.
4. Are all the hose reels, nozzles, hose pipes and couplings in serviceable condition.
5. Are there any leakages in the system.
6. Do all the hydrant boxes contain the necessary items.
7. Is the pumping system working satisfactorily.
8. When were the main pump and jockey pump last serviced.
9. Does the jockey pump start automatically when the pressure in the system falls below required level.
10. Is the water level in the Fire Tank maintained at all times.

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM
1. Has an automatic Fire/Smoke alarm system been installed in the building.
2. Date of last servicing by the contractor.
3. Whether the system is working satisfactorily.
4. Any defects reported and action taken during the period under review.

MISCELLANEOUS
1. Details of Fire Drills conducted during the period under review.
2. Has any fire emergency taken place during the reporting period. If so the details/findings and action taken to prevent recurrence to be mentioned.
3. Details of fire related training imparted to Staff during the period under review.
4. Is smoking totally prohibited within the office premises. Have adequate `NO SMOKING’ signs been put up within the premises.
5. Is Lightening Protection installed in the building.
6. Are tops of lockers/cupboards being used for stocking files, papers etc.
7. Are the electrical appliances being switched off by every department before closing for the day.
8. Is there any temporary wiring/loose wiring in the building.
9. Are all electrical wiring and fittings in good condition.
10.Does the office have a sprinkler system.

Professional Certification

1. The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) conducts certification programmes for Security professionals from all over the world. One has to pass an exam to obtain the certification. Exams are designed to assess whether or not a practitioner possesses the knowledge established as the basic competency level required for the designation. In our context the "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) certification is most suitable. This is an internationally recognised certification. On passing the exam which consists of 200 multiple choice questions the certification is granted and one can mention the same in short form after his name on official stationery, visiting card etc.

2. Certification comes at a cost - $ 200 for ASIS members and $ 350 for non-members. The membership of ASIS costs $ 170 per anum. Once certified an individual has upto three years for recertification which depends on credits one can earn while working in the field of Security. For more details check out www.asisonline.org

3. One good news is that New Delhi has been added to the list of international centres where one can take the exam. Earlier the nearest centre was Singapore. The next exam is scheduled to be held on 5 Nov 2005 and the application deadline is 19 Sep 2005. One has to apply directly to ASIS headquarters. This can be done online too.

4. Now for those of you who are in search of greener pastures abroad in our field, having an ASIS certification can surely land you a plum job and it will be worth your while to spend the time and money in obtaining the same.

Uploading of Photographs to Bishtblog

Hi Guys,

On a suggestion made by Toms I have tried to upload a photo on the blog for the first time. This is the photo of the village Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, U.K. where ARC Training had conducted the course "Security Management & Asset Protection" in May 2002". I had attended the said course and was greatly benefitted by the exposure. ARC Training is now International Academy for Security Management and has teamed up with Middlesex University to offer postgraduate work based studies academic awards in Security Management, up to and including an MSc. The Academy now conducts its courses at Reading (UK) which has better infrastructure and more to offer to visitors. One can now earn university credits on successfully completing various courses run by ARC Training.

Having uploaded the photo and described the locale - I will bid adeiu !!!

Tips for Promotion Interviews

Interviews for Technical, Rajbhasha and Security Officers are in progress. The interviews for Grade A to B in our cadre will be held after the interview for one post in Grade C is completed. This may happen during August (provided the rain Gods dont intervene again). So here are some tips that may serve our younger colleagues in good stead (the voice of experience - you know!!) :
1. Read up thoroughly regarding our area of work (Security, Fire Fighting,Maintenance & Protocol)
2. Keep yourself abreast of the latest events related to security ( International, National and local level)
3. The changing threat perception after major events like 9/11, Attack on Indian Parliament, London Bomb Blasts, Ayodhya incident, Situation in J&K and the threat from across the border etc.
4. Read old issues of RBI newsletters to be aware of the latest happenings within the Bank.
5. Have a general idea of the profile of the various departments of the Bank. (old newsletters are a good source)
6. Read the Governor's DO letter addressed to the staff on the eve of the New Year ( so that you are not flustered by a question like "Do you recollect the salient points of the Governor's Letter addressed to the staff on ---"
7. You may be asked questions like " Narrate one memorable incident that you remember while on Protocol duty."

8. Remember the training programmes you have mentioned in your Bio-Data. Questions may be asked about the courses you have undergone (I had done a one day course on Medical Rescue in 1992 - I was asked about it in 2004 !!)

9. Questions may be asked on Current Affairs and Economics. (one member from DEAP used to ask questions only related to Economics)

10. Lastly you must know where you stand if you are asked a question like " What is your favourite fruit ?"
So all the best and Good Luck guys !!!

Preposterous Requests - Part 3

The list of preposteruos requests seems to be never ending. Here are some more gems :
1. The room booked for me at so-and-so 5 star hotel should be overlooking the swimming pool OK ? (Pray tell why ?)
2. Please get me a carton of `Benson and Hedges' fast !!
3. I am going to the health club, why dont you come along and talk to me while I have a massage.
4. Pick up this luggage and put it in the car. C'mon hurry, we are getting late.

Dressed To Kill

Folks,
Haute Couture is raging in the Garden City after setting fire to places like Milan, Paris, London and New York. The only difference is that you wont see anyone shashaying down the ramp. It's the Security Officers who are dressed to kill in their regal Safari Suits. Those of you who have perused the minutes of the 25th Internal Security Committee Meeting (held at Bangalore on 16 April 2005) will know what I mean. Para (xx) of the minutes, under the heading Uniform to Security Guards says "the committee emphasised the need for wearing of prescribed unifrom by all staff be it officers or class III/IV of security establishment. This should be ensured by all offices." Well this is the first time in my service that I am seeing such directions being issued for wearing of uniforms by officers coming in black and white. This is a self-inflicted injury as we have literally "asked for it". At some places officers were wearing clothes that were too casual for even a hippie to stomach. At some places our brothers were filling the ears of senior officers regarding this. The upshot is now the office has to give an "action taken report" that the said instructions are being followed. So thanks guys. We are religiously wearing our safari suits but I am surely not proud to do so (I would rather be dressed in a shirt and tie every day). But hey ! who cares if you look like drivers of Govt vehicles !! Wear your uniform and dont forget to send the Action Taken Report.

Welcome to my Blog

My friend Toms has been cribbing for quite some time now that not many folks are airing their views on this blog. Well I am happy to introduce our friend from Belapur - Purshottam Dass. He has given a brief profile alongwith his comment on my post regarding Career Progression dated 18 July 2005. He has not only served in the NSG but has also been a Commando Instructor. And he is one helluva lucky bloke I must say. He won a hamper (and a big one at that) at the International Conference conducted by the Asian Professional Security Association in Feb 2005. His idea about Assured Career Progression merits consideration. We know that our job content is not going to change - so might as well have time bound promotions. More on promotions next time.

Keeping Ourselves Updated

This is in continuation of my post dated 23 July where I have spoken about the need to become professionals in our field. Following are some more websites which offer free newsletters and information regarding security :
1. www.thesecurityawarenesscompany.com ( Popularly called `Security Awareness for Ma,Pa and the Corporate Clueless'. One can get free newsletters on Network and Computer Security)
2. www.SecurityDocs.com (Security Awareness guides, whitepapers etc)
3. www.securitytodayonline.com (This is an Indian site promoted by Mr G.B.Singh who is the owner of a Security Gadgets manufacturing company and the founder member of Asian Professional Security Association)

The security awareness company also has a blog at http://securityawareness.blogspot.com
Happy Fishing Guys.

``Lungar Gupp''

It is believed that the note regarding our career progression (nay truncation) has been despatched to DAPM, Central Office by RBI, Chennai. Bombay guys - get on the job and keep tracking it !!!

Glossary of Security Management

I have managed to obtain a soft copy of Cresswell's Glossary of Security Mangement. My friend David is now the Managing Director of International Academy for Security Management, Pangbourne, UK. (erstwhile ARC Training) The glossary is an exhaustive compendium of terms associated with Security Management (62 pages). For those of you who are interested to get a pdf version mail me at nandanbisht@gmail.com for a copy.

Preposterous Requests - Part 2

Hi Guys,
This is in continuation of my post dated 22 July 05. Following are some more outlandish requests we all may have faced/may have to face during our service :
1. I propose to go outstation in a hired car - ask the operator not to mention this on the bills (ie bills should be for travel within the city)
2. I am coming on official duty and my wife is accompanying me - ask the 5 star hotel not to charge me extra bed charges for the spouse. ( and she should get all the freebies I am getting - after all I am a frequent visitor!!)
3. Ask the hotel people not to reflect my liquor consumption (which is substantial) in the bill.
4. Arrange for maximum discount possible on air tickets for travel of my family (use your charm man !!)
5. You guys get items from CSD at dirt cheap rates- isnt it ?? Well please get me `this and that' will you (these start as requests and end up as commands `` get a bottle of jam for my house fast'' )
6. I am throwing a party at my house - can you please arrange 12 bottles of Scotch from your liquor quota. (once obliged and then you can kiss goodbye to your quota forever)
7. You are a member of the Services Institute - arent you ?? Well please take my guests as YOUR guests and let them enjoy the hospitality.
8. Please escort my wife/family to the market for shopping (you may chit chat with the driver while you wait for them - of course )
More next time.
Food for thought `` The exhilaration one feels while jumping into water of unknown temperature is only matched by the agony of finding it too cold and shallow ''

Grease your skids and become professionals pronto - or else get junked !!!

Hi Guys,
Some time back I read a very thought provoking article authored by Capt S.S.Raman from Hyderabad office wherein he has emphasised the need to become proficient in our field lest we get sidestepped/overlooked/junked. I agree with him insofar as developing our professional skills are concerned. Unless we are thorough in the performance of our duties - the time is not far when substitutes will be doing our jobs and we may be cooling our heels. Now for those of us who want to keep ouselves updated with the latest developments in the field of Security here are some websites which offer free subscriptions to their newsletters/publications :
1. www.asisonline.org (for security management weekly news)
2. www.csoonline.com (forwebsite for security executives and updates)
3. www.continuitycentral.com (business continuity news)
4. www.teexwmdcampus.com (terrorism awareness and online courses)
5. www.info@defenceindia.com ( Indian defence and security news)
6. www.cctvinfo.com (latest on CCTV)
All the best and happy hunting.

Restrictive Practices - Monoplistic Practices or are they just WRONG GODDAM PRECEDENTS ???

Dear fellow sufferers,
How often have we heard any/some/all of the following preposterous requests ?
1. Please arrange a luxury sedan for me at the rate of an Esteem (smaller) car - use your good offices !
2. Kindly telecheck for me by so and so flight - I am an economy class passenger and NOT a frequent flier !
3. I want seat No. so and so - how you arrange it is your funeral (or `` your predecessor used to do it '') !
4. I want seat No. so and so and the seat next to mine should be unoccupied. (`Tere baap ki airline hai na ?)
5. Arrrange an appointment with Mr Bigshot (high functionary in the Govt) and make sure I dont have to wait in his office (Mr Bigshot should wait) - ``Govt bhi mere baap ki hai yaar , no problem ''
6. I am travelling `J' class by Jetair but I want sit in the Indian Airlines lounge - arrange it !!
7. Can you make me sit in the `Reserved Lounge' (meant for DGs and above) somehow ? Pray tell - HOW !!!
8. Ring up the airline `I am stuck up in traffic so I will check in late'. In other words the aircraft should wait - well, no problem - remember whose airline it is anyway ??
9. So and so is due to arrive at the office (another bigshot) at so and so time - kindly ensure that he is NOT checked/ frisked or asked for an entry pass. ( In other words you wait for him at the gate and escort him up to me)
10. Ask your subordinate staff do `this' (OFFICIAL) work (which is likely to go well beyond prescribed office hours) - but make sure there should be no demand for overtime.
11. Security officers from Commercial Banks are very good at getting jobs done from outside agencies - some of you guys should learn a lesson from them ?? ( Give us an expense account, dont expect us to sit in office all day and give us one item of work to do at a time - Voila !! Presto Zippo !!! Yours truly can do one better than those goody twoshoes. )
12. I have a pain in my ***** do something about it . (Again NO PROBLEM !!! am I not a doctor, pharmacist and cleaner rolled into one ??)

We have heard even more ridiculous requests during our service. The above is just illustrative and not exhaustive. And it is NOT reflective of what I am facing today. These are tidbits gleaned from everywhere though some are indeed personal experiences. The short point is that such requests are made since our brothers sometime, somewhere have managed to bend rules and appeased the boss - least realising the legacy they are leaving behind or the wrong precedents they are setting. Why cant we work to the best of our abilities without indulging in unauthorised or unwarranted practices ?? Any ideas how to get around such requests without becoming the BAD boy ???

Career Progression

This is in response to the query raised by my friend Toms. The news regarding the plight of our cadre reaching the Gov's ears is genuine. Dont be a ``Doubting Thomas'' Toms (pun intended). Even the RD, Chennai has spoken to the Gov about it. This has been followed up by a document, the draft of which I have seen. So far so good. Will keep you all posted about this. Regarding Toms' second point - a lot of people are seeing the blog but are not commenting owing to various reasons. My advice to those who are itching to say something is - open your own blog by registering under an alias (all you have to do is to remember the alias username and password) and you should be raring to go. It would be fun to interact with a larger group. So go ahead guys !! More in the next blog.

Career Progression for Security Officers in RBI

Our friends from Chennai, it is believed, have managed to tell our sob story to the top boss himself - the Governor. Having realised that 90 percent of the cadre today( officers in grade A and B) have nowhere to go - thanks to only five posts in Grade C remaining after the much hyped ``career progression'' (or was it ``career depression''). I must say `hats off to you guys'. I know how tough it is to say your mind - but desperate times call for desperate measures. Another plus point is the positive attitude of RD, Chennai who has taken up cudgels on our behalf. Let us hope that the fallout will be favourable this time. Of course `hope is a thing of feathers' and we all have heard about `the height of hope' too, have'nt we ?? So let us keep our fingers crossed.

I am the one who can get the coon

I was told by a friend from the general side that one officer from our cadre is busy `shouting from rooftops' how slack his predecessor has been in the discharge of his duties. I was appalled at this irresponsible behaviour. Imagine the effect such a diatribe has on someone who is blissfully unaware about the intrigues that plague our cadre. These are the acts which lower our collective image in the eyes of everyone. OK, so you are `James Bond and Sherlock Holmes rolled into one'. Then get your act together and and GET THE COON MAN. Your work will speak for you. We must remember that we are not indispensable and someone has been `shovelling the shit' before us. So let us not demean and criticize our predecessors and get down to business. If we open our beaks too wide we may put our foot into it. Watch out guys !!!

He who laughs last- Really laughs best

A friend of mine drew a lot of flak from all concerned (and also from some who should not have been concerned) regarding his actions while in service. Unbecoming conduct blah, blah, blah!!! Well the same guy has just been sanctioned study leave. I am sure he is having a good laugh. Good idea to test some new territory eh ?? What say you guys ??

Career Ideas

Toms,
This is in response to your idea about deputation to some NGO abroad. I will second that rather than chucking our jobs at present. Visit https://jobs.un.org and register yourself. Secondly get down to making a short and sweet resume which should cover all the essentials without being boring and lengthy. We have to sell ourselves man - and we get only one sheet of paper to blow our trumpets. Lastly dont forget to send me a copy of the resume. More inthe next blog.
Bisht

Free Advice - For Old and Weary Horses - Tired of Races Now

Me and my friend Toms have been sharing our views on the question of going for greener pastures in the light of what is happening to our careers in the Bank today. Well, in my opinion I'll say `Dont throw it all away' (reminds me of the old Bee Gees song) For guys from my batch it is a tough decision to make when one can earn FULL pension by serving for another four and a half years. Pension is a good social security measure and our families, friends and relatives will invariably be opposed to any idea about chucking the job at this stage. And I dont blame them for doing so. In case someone has reached a saturation point where he just cannot digest the gross mismatch between the ego vis-a-vis status (in Toms words), the following advice is offerred :
(a) Carefully weigh your options - do you really want to throw it all away (I mean more than 25 years plus of service)
(b) In case you want to take the plunge - the job should be so good that it compensates for 25 years of sweat and grime in just five years or so.
(c) The a/m scenario is only possible if one can land a job abroad which pays around $ 50,000/- per anum or so.

Any more ideas ??
Bisht

Hunting Greener Pastures

Dear Fellow Security Officers,
Why is it that some of our colleagues are constantly on the hunt for a new job ?? The present job is the second or third for most of us. Isnt it hightime we settle down ? What is that intangible ingredient in a job which makes one give his best to the organisation? Being the breadwinner for the family is it fair on one's part to make the family undergo the trauma and insecurity which is invariably associated with a change in the job. These are some disturbing questions which need answers. Your comments are solicited.
Bisht

Pour Your Heart Guys

Hi Guys,
The subject is self explanatory. So go at it. Air your views, cribs, problems etc - be they personal or professional. Let us put our heads together and find the best solution. All the best.
Capt N.S.Bisht