Participants at a fancy dress competition organised by the Army Wives? Welfare Association at Dipatoli in Ranchi. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Jamshedpur, Aug. 25: Don?t be surprised if the next time you are in trouble and a group of well-groomed men, proficient in English and professionally trained in arms, comes to your rescue.

In a new move, Jamshedpur Utility Services Company (Jusco), a hundred per cent subsidiary of Tata Steel, has decided to diversify into security services. The company, which was hitherto known for providing municipal services, has now decided to recruit, groom and rent out personnel as security guards to companies and institutions, even for tourism and sporting events, across the country.

Taking the first step towards diversification, Jusco has recently appointed Rituraj, a former IPS officer from Bihar, as the general manager of security services of the company. Rituraj has also served a stint in the Special Protection Group (SPG).

Jusco managing director Sanjeev Paul said the plan is still in a nascent stage and would take sometime to be implemented.

Sources in the company said at present, the company is looking for about 10 acres of land in Gamharia for setting up a training centre for security guards.

?The breed of men that we are planning to groom would be very different from what the security houses provide at present. Apart from rendering services as security guards they would also be skilled in relief and rescue work, first aid and would be professionally-trained in dealing with arms,? sources said.

The sources added that initially the company would be recruiting about 1,000 personnel every year. ?The basic criteria for recruitment of personnel would be that they must have a basic degree in matriculation and must be able to speak in English. Obviously certain physical standards of height and weight must also be met,? they said.

The company is at present in search of skilled personnel for training the guards. Sources said plans are afoot for including personnel, who have already served in the SPG. The first batch of guards from Jusco is expected to be ready by early next year.

The sources further said the company is toying with the idea of deploying these guards in the various Tata group of companies. ?The house of Tatas manages numerous companies across the country. Our security guards could be deployed in these companies. The hospitality and tourism sectors are other areas that we are eyeing. These guards could also be hired for deployment during various sporting events in the country,? said an official.