Photo Of 'Lady SPG' Next To PM Modi Shared By Kangana Ranaut Goes Viral
An image of a woman walking with PM Modi and Union Minister Rijiju sparked speculation she is part of the elite SPG security force.
An image shared by Bharatiya Janata Party MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has been doing rounds on the social image. In the viral photo, a woman could be seen walking next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Captured in the Parliament premises, the image was captioned "Lady SPG" sparking a discussion on women empowerment and increasing representation of women in the elite security forces.
Several social media users have speculated the woman to be a part of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force that has the task of Prime Minister's security. However, the woman is not with SPG, according to a report by NDTV quoting sources. The woman in the vira image is, in fact, a Personal Security Officer to President Droupadi Murmu, as per the report.
Women have been a part of the SPG for years and in 2015, women have been included in the Close Protection Team (CPT) of the elite security forces. 
Currently, there are around 100 female commandos in the SPG, according to India Today. They serve in both close protection roles and advanced security liaison capacities.
The SPG was established in 1985 and tasked with providing close protection to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate family members. It was formed under the Cabinet Secretariat by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the wake of the assassination of his mother and former PM Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards.
SPG officers are known for their leadership, professionalism, and advanced training in security protocols. They often collaborate with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and state police forces to ensure seamless security arrangements.
A Prime Minister cannot refuse the security cover by the elite group, which is headed by a director.
In recent years, women have come to the forefront within the forces taking on commanding roles across units such as air defence, signals, ordinance, intelligence, engineering, and service corps.
So far, SPG officers have been awarded a Shaurya Chakra, 45 President's Police Medals for distinguished Service and 347 Police Medals for Meritorious Service, according to its website.
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