(a) whether the Government have decided to reduce the SPG Cover for Ex-Prime Ministers in the country as reported in the `Statesman` dated June 11, 2002;
(b) if so, whether the view of Ex-PMs and their family members have been considered before reducing the SPG cover; and
(c) if so, the extent to which protection would be given to the families of Ex-PMs who have not expressed reduction of SPG cover etc.?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( SHRI CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )
(a): The Government has decided to move a Bill in the Parliament for amendment of SPG Act for making the SPG cover available to former Prime Minister and the members of their immediate family on the basis of threat.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Government have decided to amend the SPG Act so that SPG cover shall be provided to the ex-Prime Ministers and members of their immediate family based on the level of threat. In case extension of SPG cover is not found justified, necessary security based on the level of threat, as assessed by the Central Government shall be provided.