Power, frustration and chauvinism is making women unsafe in India

In case you have not been to India, the first thing you will notice is that you are a celebrity, no matter where you are from, what you educational qualification is , you are a celebrity. Indians have been fascinated by the skin colour and that has been causing foreigners to get undivided attention anywhere they go. Whether it is a tourist spot, whether it is a metro station or whether it is just strolling in the shopping area. Everyone will glance at you. Many foreigners do not mind this attention as it helps them get their work done easily. Many times it helps to get noticed in a populated country such as India. We are a changing demographic but certain paradigms have not changed and intact have got engrained in our  psyche. We are in love with white skin, we think that every white person travelling is a rich person and shall be ready to dine , date and spend time with them instantly.

The benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages that such a situation brings, with almost 80% of the population just surviving and a legal system that is primarily male dominated, women will not feel safe under any situation. A female foreigner visiting India is bound to see many people approaching her. specially for photographs at most tourist monuments she visits.

Most people get kicks out of the fact that they have interacted with a foreigner or have a picture with a foreigner. Now think India has more than 50% population as men and more than 30% population is in their youth. What would happen in case a women lands up unassisted in countryside areas and other corners of India without any protection. Therefore, it is recommended that any solo traveler should have a bodyguard for protection in India.  Infact there are situations when foreigners will feel the impact of people watching them and even following them when in vehicles, when in tourist attractions and when anywhere around the city. the landscape of India is changing and we are getting easier access to internet, the standards of living have improved considerably but this situation has only led to more power in hands of the man of the house. Metropolitan cites such as Delhi, Mumbai, chandigarh, pune, chennai, banglaore and many more can almost be compared to international metropolitans. The problem with India is that there is migration happening from rural villages to all the big cities, now poor, uneducated and really rural people living in the streets of these smart cities is causing the crime rate to spiral as these people have not seen the kind of city life anywhere in their villages. They have male dominated mindsets and have taken a train to reach a city that is at least 10-15 years ahead of them

Nobody takes responsibility of you, except yourself. Women cannot hitch hike in India as they can in US, UK or Europe. Women cannot just share their details as they can in their countries. Safety needs to be taken care of just as one needs to take care of oneself in any country. India is no exception, but one needs to be a little more careful as the culture, population and attitudes are from almost another planet.

Arms / Guns licenses in India and what gun license do Personal security officers have ?

Indian laws are clear on the subject of arms and ammunition and no one is allowed to own or possess a gun without a valid gun license applicable to that part of the state, union territory. Many personal security officers have All India Gun licenses and many have state licenses, in such cases they are only entitled to carry guns in the states they are entitled.



A very important rule is that a copy of the license has to be deposited with the district magistrate in the area where it is kept, for instance if it is kept in Delhi, the closest police station needs to be communicated with and a gun license copy has to be deposited with 10 days of shifting there.

Possession of arms for certain purposes is mentioned in the act and cannot under any circumstance be utilised for any other purpose. It is to be noted that the arms are not to be utilised for any other purpose and cannot be understood to include manufacture of arms in any case.



The gun license is only issues for protection of premises and property of the aforesaid person or the related members with the person. It is not be be used for any recreation or any other activity that causes any harm in any way whatsoever.

Personal security officers cannot carry arms inside five star hotels, Delhi metro, monuments or any other place where entry can be restricted. The importance of having an ex-servicemen with an arm is extremely important and ensures that some matured person holds the gun. It is very important to make sure that people take care of the arms they possess.

Guns are becoming an important part of protection and more people are requesting protection from others with the help of trained personal security officers and bodyguards.




Most bodyguards and personal security officers have .32 pistol or .32 revolver. Some have rifle licenses as well and can carry rifles as well. Generally 99% of the personal security officers have pistols or revolvers and most of them carry it hidden ducked under their shirts.

The license is granted subject to all the provision of the arms act 1959 and of arms rules 1962

 Arms are only necessary for people who have a threat, a extortion demand, a scare or someone intending to fire under dire consequences. It is not advisable to have bodyguards or private security possess guns when there is no threat on the person requesting security. VVIPS and Real estate magnets have always hired gunmen and personal security at all times. The reasons are simple , these people are involved in such huge sums of money that there is always a chance of dissatisfied customer, vendor, client.