Security lowered for CM Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will have only minimum security cover of one escort vehicle, unlike his predecessor. None of the ministers will have escort or pilot, but only a personal security guard while moving around. As soon as he assumed power, Mr. Vijayan had directed the home department not to have undue security cover, especially pilot vehicles sounding horns,  for  him or any other ministers, except in case of any specific threats.

A meeting of the security review committee headed by Nalini Netto,  additional chief secretary, home, here the other day decided to scale down the security of VIPs. Usually,  chief ministers are provided Z-plus and minister's Z-category  security. However, the security cover was often given depending upon the security situation.

Considering the specific directions of the chief minister, it has been decided to have only one escort vehicle comprising  five police personnel for the chief minister. He will not have pilot, especially within cities. However, during long journeys, the local police concerned may provide  him pilot on a station-to-station basis.

The security review committee decided to scale down the Z-plus security cover that was being provided to  former chief minister  Oommen Chandy following the threats in connection with the solar scam and bar bribery issues.   Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was enjoying Z-plus security cover during  his term as home minister, would only have an escort  hereafter. The security cover provided to SNDP Yogam general secretary was also scaled down.