Lungar Gupp XXXX

1. Update on Sumit Upreti. Sumit has posted a comment on 'Lungar Gupp XXXIV' regarding his new job and how he is doing. He seems very happy with what he has landed. Worth a read guys !!

2. Representation Repurcussions. After the recent 'tsunami' called 'Annual Transfers' some of our friends were thinking of representing for a change of centre/deferment of posting. My friend Capt Jaswal has just received fresh orders asking him to report to Patna office. Apparently his office had requested that he be allowed to carry on at the present centre for some more time owing to anticipated shortage. So guys think real hard before you represent. You may get a posting to 'Timbuctoo'.

3. Back to 'Gateway to the Northeast'. I am proceeding to Guwahati for an official assignment on 01 May 2008 and will be there for about ten days. I am looking forward to this visit as I will be meeting some old friends at that place and renew my association with that fantastic place. More on the visit later on.

HR INITIATIVES FOR SECURITY OFFICERS

HRDD Central Office organized an informal interaction with our Mumbai based bretheren on 15 April 2008. Following is a gist of the matters put forth (our story) and the responses (their story) :
Our Story
1. There is a lot of gap between the job definition and job expectation !
2. Chain of command is not clear.
3. Assured promotions may be considered.
4. Accomodation of resident Security Officers not good.
5. Specialized training inputs to be on a sustained basis.
6. Exposure to training inputs in other areas viz : HR, IR, Management etc.
7. Upward revision of age limit to 45 years at entry level.
8. Only defence services officers to be recruited.
9. CCTV Training - consider sending officers abroad.
10. No representation at Central Office level for Security.
11. Job enrichment - give us event management, facility management etc, etc.
12. Consider lateral absorption.
13. Transfers of Security Officers - to be need based - afford stability.
14. Increase in the posts of AGMs.

Their Story
1. This is your second career.
2. You are not from the mainstream.
3. You all are from Defence Services background !!
4. The last time the staff sub committee met, it was after a gap of three years.
5. Letters will be sent to RDs to make improvements in the residences of Security Officers.
6. Your points will be considered.
Thank you very much !!

New Certification from ASIS

Integrated Physical Security Systems Certification

ASIS is considering the development of a new certification focussing on integrating physical security systems (access control, CCTV, intercom etc) to form an enterprise wide security solution. The new certification would concentrate on the design, specifications, tendering, selection,integration, testing, training, operation and maintenance of such systems. It would also include the identification of risks associated with using corporate network resources to connect to each component.

This will be the fourth prestigious certification (after CPP, PSP and PCI), in in case it is developed, from ASIS, for the benefit of the security fraternity worldwide. I think it will be a valuable certification to possess considering the urgent need to integrate various security systems in place in all organizations today. Does the ISS (Integrated Security Solution), in our context, ring a bell ??

Lungar Gupp XXXIX

1. Add One More (to the list !) The list of security officers who are leaving/have left for greener pastures just got longer. Capt Neeraj Dobhal has applied for a lien to be able to work for Adlabs as the Regional Security Head (North) at Noida. Here's wishing him all the best for the future. Neeraj is a hardworking, dependable and dedicated security professional. I can attest to this fact having worked with him since the past three years. RBI's loss is surely Adlabs' gain !!

2. Postings Blues. There is still no news on the annual transfers of security officers. Rumours have reached a feverish pitch with folks telling each other that 'so-and-so' is going to 'so-and-so' place. For example Shashi Nair is going to Guwahati according to one version and to Lucknow as per another. Some say that the list is 'longish', hence the delay. Every day one gets to hear a fantastic tale regarding this aspect. Good entertainment, I say. Also heard that the 'funda' this time is going to be 8 years at Mumbai and 4 years at other centres. So all you affected guys, keep your fingers crossed !! And if any of this does not come true - remember this is 'Lungar Gupp', before you start cursing me.

3. Interaction with Security Officers. It is understood that HRDD, Central Office has organized an informal 'interaction' with the Mumbai based security officers. This is a welcome step and it was in the offing as stated by my friend at Pune. Maybe the alarm bells have started ringing after 8-9 security officers have left the Bank. The agenda has not been spelt out but our friends at Mumbai have done their homework and hope to air their grievances if given half a chance. I only hope that some of the problems plaguing smaller centres also get highlighted. Problems at bigger centres are totally different from those being faced at smaller ones. Anyway, 'something is better than nothing' and 'better late than never' !!

Certification Update

1. The ASIS International April 2008 Certification Newsletter is available online at www.asisonline.org/certification/pubs.xml (click on this link to read it) which contains useful material on implementing a certificaiton study course and chapter study programmes etc.

2. The 'PCI' exam is also going to be available along with the CPP and PSP tests thanks to the untiring efforts of the ASIS New Delhi Chapter. As per the latest issue of 'Security Today' all these tests may be available online for Indian aspirants shortly. Look out for further updates in due course !!

3. CPP Aspirants Sweating it out. A majority of the security professionals who are taking the CPP test on 03 May 2008 are having last minute jitters. Some were planning to postpone their effort till November but I have managed to convince them to give it their best shot next month. There is still time to cram guys. So dont give up !!

Stair Lift for Differently Abled Persons

Guys,

Check out the latest installation at RBI, Bangalore - an electrical self operated 'stair lift' for differently abled persons. The gradient did not allow for conventional 'run-of-the-mill' methods or measures to ensure a user friendly means of access to the Banking Hall. Such gadgets are quite common in developed countries where people have them installed in their houses so that the oldies do not have to climb stairs leading to their bedrooms and put a strain on their limbs. It is understood that this is the first installation of its type in Bangalore and only the fourth in India (the other three are in some top notch private hospital in Delhi). The cost of the 'chair' is approx Rs 3 lacs !!

Start of the "descent"
Safe landing under the watchful eye of

another differently abled person !!

Visit of Shri N.R.Narayana Murthy

Shri N.R.Narayana Murthy, Chairman and Chief Mentor, Infosys Technologies Ltd visited RBI, Bangalore on 26 March 2008 at 1600 hrs and spoke to the members of the staff. He had not prepared any speech for the occasion and spoke extempore about the need to work hard, be disciplined and to think about the country to ensure a brighter future for the citizens of tomorrow.

He said "Hard work leads to recognition, recognition leads to respect and respect leads to power". So hard work is the key to all these factors !!
The lecture hall was overflowing (as expected) with everyone trying to get a glimpse of the great man and listen to him.

Shri Narayana Murthy being escorted to the Lecture Hall

by the Regional Director and your truly.

Shri Narayana Murthy in full flow !!