The personnel deployed in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and who have been shielding India's most honoured dignitaries will have to undergo a compulsory psychological assessment-- a significant move following the assassination of Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das.
According to the reports, the personnel who are currently deployed or will be deployed in the protection of VIPs will have to clear this test. Earlier, the tests were limited to personnel deployed in the Special Protection Group (SPG).
But, following the killing of the Odisha minister by a Sub-Inspector deployed in his protection, the department had opened a post for psychologists to analyse various mental health parameters of its VIP security unit commandos.
Notably, the central paramilitary has a special VIP Security (VS) wing in its establishment that has a strength of over 6,000 personnel. It guards more than 110 VVIPs in the country, including prominent politicians and business tycoons like Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and businessmen Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.
What is the Vienna Test System?
It is worth mentioning the psychological test, based on Vienna Test System (VRT), is a computerised psychological assessment. It was developed in the 1980s by the Schuhfried Company, founded by Dr Felix Schuhfried in 1947. Later, several changes were made as per the current situation and demand from various fields.
It is popular and believed to be the most advanced and complicated examination for defence personnel in the world. As per the procedure, a candidate needs to undergo multiple phases including stress level and ability to handle complicated situations in the best possible way, decision-making abilities and other issues related to the protection of dignitaries.
Why this test is crucial for the upcoming G20 Summit?
India is scheduled to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi, where heads of as many as 43 countries are scheduled to land in the national capital. The dignitaries include US President Joe Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japan PM Fumio Kishida and others. Therefore, India needs to provide the best possible protection to these foreign guests,
According to media reports, at least 700 personnel from CRPF have been selected for the deployment near the venue site.
Besides, the country is scheduled to hold the next general elections next year. It means more leaders and VIPs need highly trained officials.
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