Lungar Gupp XVI

Hi Folks,

Today was the DAY of rumours !! The first was regarding Central Banking Allowance for Officers (after so many rumours having already been circulated in this connection). In the morning telephone lines were buzzing with the news that 'IT' is coming at last. At 1515 hrs I heard that the circular has been issued and also came to know the rates prescribed for various grades (Rs 500/- to Rs 5000/-).

The second rumour started off at 1530 hrs that the said circular had been recalled !!!

The latest in this series (as of 1900 hrs) is that the circular stands. The recall e-mail was apparently a prank.

Oh, yeah, there is one more. As per this one the rates of the CBAO are going to be doubled w.e.f. April 2007.

Let us keep our fingers crossed and see how this intriguing story unfolds.

Apart from this I came to know that the CAIIB exam results have been declared (on sify.net) and surprise, surprise !!! I have cleared the same.

More on CPP Certification

This post is thanks to the persistence of Capt S.S.Raman who has asked me to clarify a couple of very valid doubts. The first is regarding availability of study material. The recommended study material for CPP exam is truly vast besides being prohibitive in cost. The Bank has agreed that two sets will be purchased (one by DEAP library for Central Office and one set by CAB, Pune) and this has been mentioned in the minutes of the 5th Security Managers Conference. As to when the same will be complied with is anyone's guess. Moreover it is obvious that officers who are based in and around Mumbai/Pune will be the most benefitted (if they are so inclined). For guys who are located in Godforsaken places I dont think the availability of study material with the Bank will make any difference. Well, all is not lost, now comes the good part. Used books are available through websites like alibris, amazon and betterworld books. I have managed to get seven of the prescribed books for just under $ 50/-. Added to that is the storehouse of information at our disposal - the internet. So exam preparation is not very tough. The CPP study guide which costs $ 100/- is compulsory with the exam fee (reimbursible) and is very helpful. The second point is that once you apply, the fee is valid for two years and a maximum of three attempts. So one should have a go at it. The deadline for the 5th May exam is 01 March 2007. Go ahead and do it !! For serious contenders I have some good "masala" which I am willing to share in addition to the resources mentioned above.

Lungar Gupp XV

Promotion Interview - 10 Jan 2007

1. The results of the "race" which was held on 10th Jan are stale news now. I just want to take this opportunity to thank all friends, colleagues and well-wishers who contacted me before and/or after the interview. A BIG thank you to all the guys out there.

2. The programme was scheduled to start at 1030 hrs but it got stretched to 1130 hrs (Indian Stretchable Time) as usual. Veterans like me were acting smug and giving unsolicited 'tips' on likely questions which may be asked. Somebody asked "What is Basel II ?" and pat came the answer "Bazil's younger brother". This was the joke of the day which was duly conveyed to the senior officer mentioned in the answer.

3. One of the participants had brought an 'appreciation letter' which he, by his own admission, flaunted it to the members of the board who, it seems were not too overly impressed, much to his dismay !!

4. This time the interview board was out in full strength : the chairman (I dont recollect any previous interview where the chairman of the Board had presided), both the members, the SA and the nominated member. The level of questions asked to various participants was also good (unlike the last time).

Miscellaneous :

1. Our friends at Mumbai treated me to a sumptious lunch at the Chinese restuarant which is conveniently located behind the Mumbai regional office. Besides the lunch the crowd was also good. I was told it is even better in the evenings !! Wow !!! Lucky bums.

2. Foreign training season has kicked off in real earnest. A total of four officers are reportedly going to 'Blighty', in two's most probably. From all accounts they are from Nagpur, Trivandrum, Cochin and Mumbai. Bon voyage to all of them and some consolation for a couple of them.

ASIS Certification

For those who are interested in getting certfied here is some good news :

1. I have just learnt that New Delhi has been declared as an exam centre for the next CPP exam and the date is 05 May 2007. This has happened thanks to the persistent efforts made by the office bearers of ASIS, New Delhi Chapter. So this saves us the trouble of going to Singapore to take the test. The deadline for application is 01 March 2007 (this may please be checked on the ASIS website)

2. The next point is regarding the passing percentage for the exam. Though the passing score is 650 out of 800. These are scaled scores and do not necessarily translate into 81.25% as given in an earlier post. However, it is my guess that the percentage should be around 70% for passing the exam consisting of 225 questions (out of which 25 questions are not awarded any marks as they are for exam development purposes). Quite complex eh ?? Go through the website in detail for clearing your doubts or getting further confused.

3. I have also received a list of ASIS members in India from the Chapter chairman. The total number of ASIS members is 122 and there are a total of just 6 CPPs (what a pathetic percentage). Most members are Security service providers, vendors, consultants or manufacturers. There are a sizeable number of practitioners too, which I only hope goes up.

More on Certification

I had applied to the Bank to allow me to take the test for CPP certification under the incentive scheme for higher/professional studies. CPP certification is globally recognised and is the ultimate as far as security management is concerned. The Bank has permitted me as a special case to take the test with the tacit understanding that it would be included in the list of courses under the incentive scheme as more and more Security Officers apply for the same. The Bank has reimbursed the examination fee and membership fees for one year which amounts to approx $ 400/- or so.

I am now member of ASIS and have two years and a maximum of three attempts to pass the test. The exam requires exhaustive study of the specified material and the minimum marks required to pass is 650 out of 800 ( or 81.25%). India has only one chapter of ASIS and that is New Delhi. An exam centre is fixed if there are a minimum of 8 candidates. To the best of my knowledge only three Security Officers are CPPs in India as on date, though many are trying to get the coveted designation.

In the recently concluded Security Managers' conference the CGM i/c HRDD was magnanimous enough to allow the purchase of two sets of study material kits (costing $1500/each) for study by those desirous of taking the said test. This has been reflected in the minutes of the said meeting. The high cost of study material was a deterrent thus far though low cost alternatives are also available.

May I now exhort my friends and colleagues to seriously think of getting certified since all other aspects have been taken care of. Please visit the ASIS website for more details or send me a mail at nandanbisht@gmail.com for any clarification. All the best to those who are keen to venture forth.

Certification from ASIS

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) currently offers three cerification programmes of which the "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) is relevant for security practitioners. The following details have been copied from the ASIS website www.asisonline.org

Why Get Certified?
The simple answer is that to remain as competitive as possible today, you must be certified. The bar has been raised in the security profession and employers, contractors, governments, and even clients are now taking additional steps to ensure that they are hiring or working with the most skilled and knowledgeable individuals in the business. Professional certifications from ASIS International offers them another screening tool -- one that has the backing and credibility of the preeminent professional society in the world for those who are responsible for security.
Every profession requires specialized skills. Not every employer knows that you have those skills. In short, certification is an investment in your career, your livelihood, your future.
If you want...
To demonstrate your advanced knowledge in security management
To gain instant professional credibility
To advance your career
To stand head and shoulders above the competition
To increase your earnings potential
Get certified. Apply today. CPP is one of the three certification programmes currently offered by ASIS.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Preeminent designation awarded to individuals whose primary responsibilities are in security management and who have demonstrated advanced knowledge in security solutions and best business practices.

Lungar Gupp XIV

1. Our colleagues at RBI, Patna have achieved something really praiseworthy. Capt Joshi has completed his PG Diploma in PM and HR from IMT, Ghaziabad and Maj Sumit Upreti has completed his MBA as a regular from Patna University. Well done guys !! You have shown everyone that such deeds can done even in the face of adversity and hardship. Hats off to you.

2. Not content to rest on his laurels Capt S.S.Raman wrote the exam for CISSP on 31 Dec 2006. First CISA, now CISSP what next Raman ??? Anyway, here's another round of applause for you !! Carry on and gather some more "trophies". That's what I call "professionalising the profession"

3. The "Great Annual RBI Derby for Old and Weary Horses" has been scheduled this year for 10 January 2007. What I mean is the promotion interview for Grade 'B' to 'C'. The venue, as usual is RBSB, Mumbai Central. This time around we have three fresh horses in the race as they say that there are two vacancies (dont ask me HOW ?). The grapevine has it that one of the vacancies is for ST candidates. If this is true then it is up for grabs by both the general side and the two SC candidates in the fray. So we have "horses" who have run the race thrice, twice and those who have never ran earlier. Best of luck to all the participants - May the one with maximum "pull and push" win. Hectic lobbying has already started by all accounts !!!

Reasons for Not Blogging

Firstly the reasons for not blogging since September 2006 :

1. I was supposed to be studying for the CAIIB exam in December. I did study and wrote the exam. As to how much my efforts are appreciated by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance we shall come to know in February 2007.

2. I was supposed to be studying for my "Certificate in Disaster Management" exam (also in Dec) from IGNOU. Again the exam was dutifully completed - results awaited.

3. The next "panga" I have taken is due only in May 2007 when I have to appear for the CPP exam conducted by ASIS. So I have some time on my hands to resume this activity.

The second reason was the poor response form my friends and colleagues who just do not respond or react. This was despite the fact that some were constantly urging me on ( so Guys - this is for you !!)

Thirdly, the catalyst for this resurgence was a post by Maj Sumit Upreti who had posted a comment on Lungar Gupp XIII (albeit late). That comment surely deserved mention (see Lungar Gupp XIV).

So that's it - lets see how long this round lasts !!

New Year Wishes

Hi Folks,
Here's wishing all of you a happy, joyous, prosperous and healthy New Year. May God be with you always and may all your wishes come true. I am putting up this post on my blog after a self imposed hiatus of nearly four months (the last post was on 06 September 2006). The reasons will be recounted separately. For now please contemplate on the following lines which I came across while surfing on the net :
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
Once again, all the best in 2007.