Government bars use of jammers by private firms and individuals

Use of jammers by private firms has been barred according to fresh norms set out by the government. Also, security agencies have to give details of threat perception to a VIP being secured by them and get prior permission of Secretary (Security) in Cabinet Secretariat before using the equipment.

Under the new policy, the jammers can be procured only by defence forces, state police departments, jail authorities and central government security agencies.

The examination conducting bodies will have to go through an authorised PSU vendor if they require jammers.

The statutory examination conducting bodies are allowed to deploy low-powered jammers to prevent unfair means during examinations. "They would be given permission only to take it on lease or rent basis from authorised PSU and would therefore have to pay for using jammers as per the contractual obligation with the PSU vendor," it said.

These norms take into account the need to guard against random proliferation of jammers as well as to ensure that jammers installed do not unduly interfere with the existing mobile phone networks and with the equipment being used by security agencies, the Cabinet Secretariat said.

The new policy bars import of jammers without requiring a license from Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Jammer models manufactured by M/s ECIL and M/s BEL, which are evaluated by concerned security agencies, can be procured.

However, central or state PSUs, wanting to manufacture jammers, can apply to the Secretariat giving details of the model, the source of technology and other relevant information, it said.

"Inviting open tender from unauthorised manufacturers is a violation of the policy of Government of India in matters of procurement of jammers," the Secretariat said.

For seeking prior permission for installation of jammers in jails, the total number of jammers required for installation in prisons need to be assessed by jail authorities in consultation with the local office of the wireless adviser, Department of Telecommunications, before the proposal is submitted for seeking approval, it said.

Any central or state government undertaking, with requisite manufacturing capability and necessary technology can request for registration as a jammer manufacturer after getting mandatory clearances.

(Image credits: Indiatimes)