"Send Nominations...": Centre On Security Post After Lok Sabha Smoke Scare

The twin security scares brought security protocols at the new Parliament, which is supposed to have stricter access rules than the old building, under the scanner.

The centre - still firefighting vociferous protests against last week's Lok Sabha security breach - has asked state governments to propose senior civil servants for the Joint Secretary (Security) post, which is the office in charge of security for the new Parliament building. A 10-line letter from the Home Ministry, dated December 14, was sent to all states (except union territories, Goa, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) to "send nominations of eligible and willing IPS officers... by December 20".

The post has been vacant for nearly two months; it was last held by Raghubir Lal, a 1997-batch officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who was transferred to his home state in early November. Since then, the post - in the spotlight after the security gaffes - has been filled on a temp basis only.

Parliament witnessed incredible scenes last Wednesday after two men popped yellow smoke canisters inside the Lok Sabha. One man - Sagar Sharma - jumped down from the visitors' gallery and leaped from desk to desk, chased by MPs and security staff, as he ran to the Speaker's Chair.