Smriti Irani to be given 'Z' category security

NEW DELHI: HRD Minister Smriti Irani will be given 'Z' category security with armed commandos guarding her in view of increased threat perception to her life.

The Home Ministry took the decision after intelligence inputs suggested that Irani is facing high level of threat to her life following several incidents of turmoil in academic institutions, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi and Hyderabad University, official sources said.

Under 'Z' category security, the HRD Minister will be guarded by about 18 armed commandos at any given time. When she would be travelling, there would be a pilot and an escort vehicle with armed guards providing security cover.

In addition, armed guards will provide security to Irani's residence round-the-clock, sources said.

So far, Irani had 'Y' category security.

As many as 46 VIPs are currently provided with 'Z' category security by paramilitary forces and 40 others are given with 'Z-Plus', one grade above 'Z' category.