Apts eye Kudumbashree for trained security guards

KOCHI: Following recent attacks on security guards by apartment residents -- a fatal one in Thrissur and another in Kakkanad in the city - residents' associations are planning to employ security guards trained by Kudumbashree Mission.
"We have been receiving calls from residents' association seeking security guards. However, we are not in a position to offer guards as all the trained women -- in housekeeping and security services -- are already engaged.We will definitely think of recruiting more security guards," said Dani Thomas, district coordinator (Ernakulam), Kudumbashree Mission.
Meanwhile, a reality check conducted by the TOI found that while residents were unhappy with the performance of security guards, the guards were angry with the behaviour of flat owners.
Residents blamed security agencies for recruiting guards who were untrained and physically unfit. "We are fed up with the old and physically unfit guards. Now, we have decided to approach the Kudumbashree Mission. This will be finalized in our monthly meeting scheduled to be held on March 1," said V K Sankarankutty, president, JM Manor apartment owners' association, Kaloor.
According to flat owners, security guards are unfriendly and they don't do their job sincerely. "Their main job is to ensure that no stranger enters the compound, keep a record of visitors and keep vigil on the entire area. However, most of the guards are seen sleeping while on duty or simply sitting on chairs. We had to change our contract with security agencies many times due to these issues. There were even instances when guards failed to even open the gate for residents," said K Ramachandran Nair, secretary, Skyline Gateway apartment owners' association.
At the same time, the ego and attitude of residents were a major issue in turning the security guards unfriendly, he said. "Residents have to understand that guards are doing their duty and let them do it. We can always guide the guards if they commit any mistakes. However, it is a fact that many people shed their frustration on low-profile guards," he said.
All security guards with whom TOI interacted said that they were considered 'second-class citizens' by flat owners. "We are expected to perform many roles and duties identical to police as well as wage labourers. The Thrissur incident is not isolated, but we don't open up our mouth, fearing loss of job," said a 47-year-old Kovalam resident Antony John (named changed) who works as a security guard in a highrise on Chittoor Road.
Antony works 12 hours a day for Rs 7,500 a month without leave or day-offs. According to him, like many security guards, he has to take care of the generator room, water pump house and carry LPG cylinders and when the flat owners demand. All this comes along with the job of the security guard.
"We have many guests visiting residents, but majority of them are reluctant to enter their names and addresses in the guest book. Majority of flat owners do not park their vehicles in the space allotted to them. Sometimes, residents send us to buy liquor and cigarettes for them. But, when they hold a meeting, we are scolded for all these mistakes," said Binod from West Bengal.
No professional security agency services are willing to deploy security guards at residential apartments. Security agency sources said that none of the residents' associations are ready to sign a decent agreement. "
Associations always look for the lowest quotation while inviting security guards on contract. But they demand 24X7 security and additional jobs such as maintaining generator rooms, lift operations and other work," said manager of a security agency that recently stopped supplying guards to apartments. The company now concentrates on corporate firms and private companies.