Securing private interests

Delhi no longer stays exclusiveu00a0-- to terror threats and solutions at least. To combat the omnipresent terror threat, P Chidambaram has decided to extend the government's security function to cover the private sector as well. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has now been instructed to provide security cover to Wipro and Infosys campuses, as also Reliance's refinery in Gujarat.

This new policy shows Chidambaram is moving assuredly towards a government-private partnership on security by expanding the role of CISF, which hitherto protected only government buildings and installations.u00a0

Chidambaram has urged CISF to start a R&D wing to develop internal security systems. The need to protect private sector industries is real. Already more than 100 private sector companies have approached the Home Ministry to get CISF security cover. Chidambaram will have to ensure that the CISF is geared up for its rapidly expanding role.

Minding manners
Few would contest the view that Dilli needs to change its culture of rudeness. It is one of those accusations that are routinely flung at Dilliwalas by visitors, and it has come to stick. Now, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has decided that it's time to teach us some manners. With the Commonwealth Games almost upon us, she is keen to ensure Dilli is viewed as a civilised metro.

To aid her in this challenging initiative is India's private sector. Sheilaji hopes that corporates contribute by issuing ads, organising meetings and imparting training at the school-level. Dilli's makeover is no longer physical, building infrastructure and introducing green measures, but also cultural. What Sheilaji is attempting is nothing less than changing the capital's cultural DNA. The attempt should win her kudos, whether she ultimately succeeds or not!