...u00a0not a dad's demands for future son-in-law, but qualities corporates look for in their security guard

Required, a good-looking man who is six foot tall, English-speaking graduate and has knowledge of computers.
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This looks like an advertisement under 'Grooms wanted', but is, in fact, for a security guard.

This is the kind of guard that corporates, banks etc ask for these days.

According to private security agencies, everyone's looking for elite guards.

"The demands that we get from our clients read more like a matrimonial column," said Amar Sukhi, managing director, Security and Personnel Services Pvt Ltd.



Differences

And the change is evident. Ramesh Saket (32), who is an average 5'7", has studied only till Std X.

He has worked as a guard at a Parel construction site for four years, but his 12-hour shift gets him only
Rs 3,000 a month.

Manish Barua (23), on the other hand, started working at an ATM just a week ago and already earns Rs 3,200. Being 6' tall and fair does its part.

"I am aware that there is a demand for well-educated people. I wanted to study further, but I hail from a poor family and had to look after them.

But with experience I think I will manage to survive," said Saket.
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Talking with respect

Nilendu Mitra, senior vice president, corporate communications, Topsgrup, a private security firm, said, "No one would want a non-qualified security guard like Saket these days.

Also, the client expects guards to understand the newer safety techniques, which involve computers."

Seconding Mitra is Rajneet Singh of Karamshetra co-operative housing society, Sion Koliwada. "We have asked our security agency to give us an educated and young guard.

He will be able to manage the register and talk to visitors with more respect, as he will be understanding," said Singh.

Added an official from a private bank, "We need educated guards at our ATM centres who have knowledge of computers so that they help customers in handling the machine, filling forms and other technical issues.

Being tall is an added advantage, as it gives a powerful look."

Arms for Guards

After 26/11, private security agencies have been asking the government for more arms licences. Their contention is that people feel safer when they see that a security guard is armed.

Over 17 companies applied for the licence after last year's terror attacks. But police officials believe they need to be prudent in sanctioning licences, as guns can be misused.

Did you know?
The salaries of a security guard can range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 9,000