Srinagar, Sep 25: The 35th Union Territory Level Security Committee (UTLSC) meeting on Friday reviewed security arrangements at currency chests and ATMs across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the meeting focussed on preventing theft, fire incidents and other security breaches.
He said the meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Jammu and Kashmir, and under the aegis of Prabhakar Jha, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The meeting was attended by Alok Kumar, ADGP, Director, Fire & Emergency Services; Abdul Qayoom, , DIG, J&K Police (Crime); Harvinder Singh Kales, DIG, CRPF; Javid Iqbal, AIG, PHQ; Pushkin Jain, , CBI; Vikas Verma, GM, P&SO, RBI Jammu; Vinod Kumar, DGM, RBI Jammu; and Shariq Meraj, DGM, J&K Bank, along with other senior officials from government departments, controlling heads of commercial banks, the Airport Authority, Indian Railways and Air India.
The spokesperson said the forum deliberated on various issues relating to the security and safety of currency chests and the movement of treasure. The discussions covered the adequacy and augmentation of security and guarding arrangements at currency chest premises, measures to mitigate fire risks, and the installation, functioning and periodic maintenance of advanced security and surveillance equipment.
He said the forum also reviewed incidents involving attacks, theft attempts and other security breaches at ATMs, along with the need for effective implementation and monitoring of e-surveillance systems.
“The committee further deliberated at length on the issue of circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) in the Union Territory, including the need for strengthening preventive and detection mechanisms. Emphasis was laid on capacity building and regular training of bank officials and other concerned personnel for effective identification and detection of FICNs,” the spokesperson said.
He said the importance of sensitising the banking fraternity about security protocols, timely reporting of suspicious currency notes and incidents, and strict compliance with prescribed security guidelines was also highlighted. (KNO)
