PGI Chandigarh Deploys 113 Security Personnel at Inactive Neurosciences Centre
In a move that has sparked scrutiny, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh has initiated the deployment of 113 security personnel at its Advanced Neurosciences Centre, despite the facility not yet being operational. This deployment is part of a broader security contract awarded to the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) on October 4, 2025, which involves recruiting a total of 284 additional guards for various sectors within the institute.
Strategic Deployment Amid Operational Delays
The decision to station a significant security force at the inactive neuroscience centre has drawn attention, as this facility accounts for nearly 40% of the total new manpower allocation under the contract. According to an official spokesperson from PGI, the early deployment is a strategic measure to manage the transition of the building from the executing agency. The spokesperson explained that having security in place during the "handing taking over" process allows personnel to familiarize themselves with the building's complex layout before the project becomes fully operational, ensuring smoother integration and enhanced safety protocols.
Comprehensive Security Agreement Details
The comprehensive security agreement, which includes a performance security deposit of Rs 1.20 crore—representing 5% of the total tender cost—also covers the Nehru Hospital Extension and the satellite centre in Sangrur. Under the terms of the award, PESCO is providing 24/7 watch and ward services utilizing ex-servicemen, with specialized roles such as CCTV monitoring and fire guards. The deployment will specifically encompass the Nehru Hospital Extension, Advanced Neurosciences Centre, and the Sangrur facility, requiring the total of 284 additional personnel to ensure round-the-clock coverage.
Criticism and Financial Concerns
However, this deployment has not been without controversy. Ashwani Munjal, chairman of the Joint Action Committee, voiced strong criticism, stating, "The 10% service charge to PESCO smacks of foul play. Further, more than 100 security guards recruited and deployed at the Neuroscience Centre from November 1, which is yet to start, creates serious doubts. More than Rs 1 crore went down the drain since November." This highlights concerns over financial mismanagement and the allocation of resources to a non-operational facility, raising questions about transparency and efficiency in the institute's security planning.
Contract Terms and Future Implications
The contract is set for an initial duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. Financially, PESCO will receive monthly service charges at a rate of 10% in addition to the remuneration for deployed personnel, while GST will be reimbursed upon proof of deposition. This arrangement underscores the institute's commitment to bolstering security across its campuses, but it also brings to light the need for careful oversight to prevent wastage of funds, especially in light of the early deployment at the inactive centre.
As PGI moves forward with this security enhancement, stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and clearer justifications for such preemptive measures, emphasizing the importance of aligning expenditures with operational readiness to optimize public resources in healthcare infrastructure.
