Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired the 6th Union Territory Level Security Committee (UTLSC) meeting at Hotel Zen, Leh, on October 7 to review security arrangements concerning Currency Chests, bank branches, ATMs, and the movement of cash and other valuables across the Union Territory.

The meeting was held under the aegis of Prabhakar Jha, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Committee reviewed measures concerning the security and safety of Currency Chests, bank branches and ATMs, as well as the movement of cash and other valuables, with emphasis on strengthening coordination between the banking sector, police and other concerned agencies.

The Committee deliberated on the adequacy of security and guarding arrangements at Currency Chest premises, measures to mitigate fire risks, and the installation, functioning and periodic maintenance of security gadgets, CCTV systems and other surveillance equipment. Security arrangements at bank branches and ATMs were also reviewed, including the effective implementation and monitoring of e-surveillance systems.

Discussions also covered protocols for the transportation and movement of cash between Currency Chests, bank branches and ATMs, including the need for clear coordination mechanisms and appropriate police assistance wherever required. The Committee emphasised the importance of well-defined and standardised protocols that are clearly understood and followed by police personnel and banking officials.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stressed the need for regular mock drills and preparedness exercises to assess the effectiveness of security arrangements and the response readiness of banks, police and other stakeholders. He advised the RBI to share existing security guidelines and protocols relating to

Currency Chests, bank branches and ATMs with concerned agencies to ensure uniform understanding and compliance.
The meeting also emphasised stronger coordination mechanisms, including the designation of nodal officers from the police and banking sectors, to facilitate timely communication and coordinated responses concerning security, cash movement, ATM operations and other contingencies.

The Committee also discussed the need to review security arrangements during the winter months, particularly in areas where weather conditions and connectivity may affect ATM operations and the movement of cash.

The importance of capacity building was highlighted, with discussions on organising joint security workshops and training sessions for bank and police personnel. These programmes would focus on established security protocols, emergency response, cash transportation procedures, surveillance systems and other aspects of bank and Currency Chest security.

The Committee further deliberated on the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) in the Union Territory and the need to strengthen preventive and detection mechanisms. Emphasis was laid on regular training and sensitisation of bank officials and other concerned personnel to ensure effective identification, detection and reporting of counterfeit currency.

The Chief Secretary stressed strict adherence to prescribed security protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the detection and reporting of FICNs. He also emphasised continuous compliance with established security guidelines and stronger awareness at the operational level.

The Committee reviewed the overall security architecture and preparedness of banks and other concerned establishments, with emphasis on identifying gaps, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and ensuring timely corrective measures. The concerned agencies were advised to work in close coordination with the RBI and one another to establish a robust and standardised security framework across the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Anand Jain, IPS, DGP, Ladakh Police; Dr. Rajneesh Garg, IPS, AIG (CIV), Ladakh Police; Anayatullah, Deputy Director, Fire & Rescue Services; Shailender Kumar, Assistant Commandant, CISF Airport Security, Leh; Vinod Kumar, DGM, RBI, Jammu; and senior officials from concerned government departments, commercial banks, the Airport Authority of India and Air India, besides other stakeholders.