The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), and leading Apex Industry body, The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.

The objective of this MoU is to establish collaborative relations between ASSOCHAM and CAPSI for the propagation of Security sTar Agencies Rating (STAR) scheme which aims to standardize the Private Security Agencies based on the internationally accepted ISO standards.

The MoU was signed by Mr Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI and Mr Saurabh Sanyal, Deputy Secretary General ASSOCHAM in the presence of Mr Ajay Sharma, Asst. Secretary General, Mr. Anil Dhawan, Co- Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Disaster Management, Mr. Mahesh Sharma, Secretary General CAPSI, Mr C Pal Singh, Honorary Director General and Mr Jasbir Wasu, Vice Chairman – Licensing and Legal CAPSI in New Delhi today

The scheme was formally launched on 08 February 2019 at Mumbai during the Special Standards Conclave organised by the Ministry of Commerce. The Scheme has been conceptualised by CAPSI with the active help and support of Quality Council of India (QCI), the country’s apex quality facilitation and national accreditation body and will be a game changer in the overall functioning of Private Security Agencies. The STAR scheme is based on a criterion for certification. The scheme envisages a Seven Star rating system purely based on competence and compliance factors.

In accordance with the Governing Structure of the scheme, the scheme has three bodies, viz, Steering, Technical & Certification Committees who after due deliberations have formulated various guidelines related to the scheme. The scheme was approved by the Steering Committee headed by Mr AN Roy, former DG Mumbai Police. While One Star Rating corresponds to PSARA compliance, Three Star Rating encompasses the basic PSARA criteria and certain essential management compliances to form Private Security Services Management System (PSSMS). Similarly, Five Star Rating corresponds to the criteria laid down in ISO 90001(+) and Seven Star Rating corresponds to the International ISO 18788. The intervening even number of Star Rating will be given to the PSA on maintaining sustained compliance for three years in their present rating.

STAR Rating method shall be an indicator of grading on the basis of the levels of compliance and practice followed by the security group. Based on sound technical requirements, certification and STAR Rating shall give both Private Security Agencies (PSA) and clients (the end users) the confidence and assurance of providing high standard security services. Certification shall open new horizons for the PSI and shall provide a sound foundation for the recognition of this sector.

The Scheme has been welcomed by the Security Industry, the Business Houses as well as Government Bodies who understand the urgent requirement of ensuring quality services in concert with International norms and standards. This Scheme provides the much-needed tool to ensure that.