What is Y-Category Security & Who Gets this Security?

In India, the government provides various levels of security based on an individual’s perceived threat level. Among these, Y-Category security is designed for individuals facing moderate threats. This protection involves a dedicated team of security personnel, typically including commandos and police officers, along with secure transportation. The Y-Category security ensures the safety of public figures, politicians, business leaders, and others at risk, without extending to the highest tier of protection. This article explores the details of Y-Category security, who qualifies for it, and notable recipients currently benefiting from this cover.

What Is Y-Category Security?

The Y category provides a moderate level of security, typically involving eight to eleven personnel. This group consists of a mix of commandos and armed police officers. Individuals under this protection level include several politicians and public figures. Y-category security is a protection detail offered by the Indian government, typically extended to individuals deemed to be at moderate risk of harm. It falls below the highest security tier, known as SPG (Special Protection Group) but offers substantial safety nonetheless. The Y category security cover consists of a dedicated team of security personnel that ensures round-the-clock protection for the individual.

Key features of Y-category security

Y-Category has various key features regarding its personnel deployment with its projections details and having its vehicles for transportation to evaluate the threats. All features are given in detail in below table:

Category Y focuses on how to use people and vehicles to respond to threats. This includes things like figuring out how many staff members are needed and using vehicles to get to the location of the threat. All the details are listed in the table below.

Who gets Y-Category Security?

The Y category security is generally assigned to individuals who are at a moderate level of threat, as determined by a thorough assessment. The decision is made based on various factors, including the person’s profession, the visibility of their public life, and their potential to become a target due to political, social, or personal reasons.

Typically, individuals who may qualify for Y category security include:

• Politicians and Public Figures: Leaders or former leaders who may have political adversaries or are involved in controversial matters may receive Y category protection. This includes members of state and national legislatures.
• High-profile Business Leaders: Prominent business figures who have significant influence, especially those with large wealth or controversial business dealings, may face threats from disgruntled parties or criminals.
• Religious Leaders and Activists: Religious leaders who command a large following, as well as social activists or those who espouse controversial ideas, may also require such protection due to the possibility of targeted violence.
• Media Personalities and Artists: Individuals in the entertainment industry, especially those involved in politically sensitive or socially divisive issues, may be assigned Y category security to shield them from public or extremist backlash.

Current Recipients of Y-Category Security

Several high-profile figures currently benefit from Y category security, reflecting the government’s careful approach to safeguarding individuals in the face of potential threats. Some notable recipients include:

• Vijay: Recently,the Ministry of Home Affairs has granted Y-category security to C. Joseph Vijay, the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, in Tamil Nadu and also he is an famous South actor. The provision of security is determined by threat evaluations conducted by the Intelligence Bureau. The government regularly assesses potential risks to decide on the appropriate level of protection for individuals.
• Nita Ambani: The chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani, is granted Y-category security cover. This decision followed an assessment of the risks she faced due to her high-profile status, both as a philanthropist and as a key figure in one of India’s largest conglomerates. Her security detail includes trained commandos, ensuring her safety across India.
• Vivek Agnihotri: The Director of the controversial film The Kashmir Files, Vivek Agnihotri was given Y-category security after receiving threats tied to his work. The film’s polarizing content brought forth a significant level of political and social tension, making his security a priority.
• Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami: This prominent religious figure, known for his role in the Yadugiri Yathiraj Mutt in Karnataka, was provided Y category security due to the rising threat perception against religious leaders. Such measures are taken to prevent targeted violence, especially in politically volatile times.
• Political Leaders and Former Ministers: Several well-known political figures, both current and former members of the legislative bodies, enjoy Y category security due to the political climate in India, which occasionally escalates tensions, making prominent politicians vulnerable to attacks or harassment.

Why Is Y-Category Security Important?

Y category security is not just a luxury for high-profile individuals but an essential mechanism to ensure the safety of those who hold significant public influence. The government's role in assessing threat levels and providing appropriate security measures ensures that individuals can continue their public roles without fearing for their lives.

In a rapidly changing world, where threats can emerge from various sources, including extremists, business rivals, and even disgruntled political opponents, Y category security offers a balanced approach. It strikes a reasonable middle ground, providing both protection and the mobility needed for individuals to function within their spheres of influence while safeguarding their lives.

Conclusion

Y-category security is an important part of India's comprehensive security framework. By offering a tailored security cover, the government ensures that individuals facing moderate threats can carry on their work without compromising their safety. As the list of individuals benefiting from such protection continues to grow, it highlights the ever-present need for vigilance in safeguarding public figures from emerging threats in an unpredictable world.

Whether you are a politician, a business tycoon, a religious leader, or a social activist, if your profile demands it, the government may deem you worthy of Y category security—ensuring that your safety is a top priority in a fast-evolving landscape.