PSARA Renewal is a mandatory requirement for Private Security Agencies to continue conducting their operations legally and reliably in India. Our purpose in this blog is to provide a detailed explanation of PSARA license Renewal, its due date, eligibility and process.
The Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA) is a pivotal piece of legislation governing and regulating the operations of private security agencies in our country. Under the provisions of the act, every private security agency is required to obtain a valid license to carry out their activities legally. This license, however, has a limited validity period, and hence, the process of PSARA renewal becomes essential for the continuous and lawful functioning of security agencies.
Understanding the process of such renewal, its key legal provisions, and the necessary documentation involved is vital for agencies to maintain compliance with law, and ensure the credibility of their services.
PSARA License Renewal: Overview & Requirement
Private security agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding valuable assets and properties of their clients through a range of effective and efficient security solutions. However, the need to hold them accountable for their services still remains intact, and this is exactly why the PSARA Act mandates obtaining a license for these agencies. The PSARA license ensures that the licensed agency is compliant to all the laws and standards prescribed by the Government, and that the services it provides are credible, reliable and up to the mark. However, the license has a limited validity period and must be renewed regularly for the agency to continue its operations in India.
When is PSARA Renewal Required?
To understand the due date for PSARA Renewal, you first need to know the validity of the PSARA License. PSARA License, once granted, is usually valid for 5 years from the date of issuance, except if it has been obtained in Chattisgarh or Uttarakhand, where the validity extends up to 1 year only. To renew the license, a renewal application will have to be filed 45 days before the expiry date of the license. Remember, this is the due date for renewal, and if the application is filed after this date it shall not be considered for renewal. Moreover, if your license is not renewed on time, it will cease to exist, and you will have to apply for a new license to conduct your operations as a private security agency. Also, non-renewal of license attracts penalties, like fine up to Rs.25,000, imprisonment of the license holder for 1 year or both.
Conditions for PSARA License Renewal
PSARA license renewal is essential for private security agencies to uphold their legal statuses and continue providing security services professionally. However, such renewal is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions mentioned in Rule 6 of the PSARA Central Model Rules. Complying with these conditions is crucial for the successful renewal of the license. So, Let’s explore what these conditions are one by one.
- Maintenance of Principal Place of Business: To be eligible for PSARA license renewal, the private security agency must continue to maintain its principal place of business within the jurisdiction of the Controlling Authority, as mentioned in the initial license. This condition ensures that the agency’s administrative and operational headquarters remain accessible and accountable to the regulatory authorities.
- Provision of Training for Security Guards & Supervisors: One of the crucial requirements for PSARA license renewal is the ongoing provision of training for security guards and supervisors from the recognized Training Institute with which the agency has signed an MOU. This training is essential to equip the security personnels with the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional ethics to carry out their duties efficiently and responsibly.
- Adherence to License Conditions: Private security agencies seeking renewal must continue to comply with the conditions stipulated in their existing license. These conditions may include maintaining a specified minimum number of trained security personnel, adhering to operational protocols, and meeting financial and administrative requirements. Adherence to these conditions demonstrates the agency’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its operations. For a detailed explanation you can read our comprehensive guides on PSARA License Eligibility, and PSARA Compliance.
- Absence of Criminal Antecedents: As part of the renewal process, the antecedents of its key managerial officers are thoroughly examined to ensure that there are no criminal records associated with them. This verification is typically conducted through databases like Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) to ensure 100% accuracy of results.
Process of PSARA License Renewal: A Step by Step Guide
The process of PSARA License Renewal is quite similar to the initial grant of PSARA License. It involves filing an application in Form 1 through the online or offline mode, as prescribed by the State Government. Moreover, like the initial license, the renewed license is also granted by the jurisdictional Controlling Authority, through an order passed to the effect of the same. Here is the step by step process of PSARA license renewal for your easy navigation!
Step 1: Review the Renewal Timeline
Private security agencies must be aware of the expiration date of their current PSARA license. Renewal applications should be initiated well in advance to this date to avoid any disruptions of services. The exact due date, as mentioned earlier, is 45 days prior to the date of expiry, and the renewal application can be filed on or anytime before it. However, if the application is filed after this date it will not be considered for processing by the Controlling Authority, the point being, once the due date is passed, there is no way you can renew your PSARA license.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
Before commencing the renewal process, agencies must gather all the necessary documentation as per the guidelines provided by the Controlling Authority. These documents typically include the existing PSARA license, the documents of the agency’s incorporation, documents related to its principal officers, documents business premises, income tax returns, regulatory and tax registration certificates and so on. For complete details, refer to the table mentioned below.
Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application
Once all the required documents are collected and compiled, the agency must submit the PSARA license renewal application to the jurisdictional Controlling Authority in the prescribed Form 1. You can file this form online on the Controlling Authority’s website or offline by visiting the Controlling Authority’s Office, whichever is applicable in your state. It is essential to ensure that the application is complete and accurate to avoid any delays or rejections. To submit the application, you must pay the required application fees which is the same as the fees for initial grant of License.
Step 4: Criminal Antecedents Verification
Once the application is submitted, the Controlling Authority conducts a thorough review and strictly verifies the antecedents of the agency and its principal officers. The antecedent verification is necessary for confirming that the agency is being operated by people who are rightly qualified and experienced to the job. This raises the credibility of the services being provided by the agency and enhances the trustworthiness of its clients.
Step 5: Grant of Renewed License
Once the Controlling Authority is satisfied with the agency’s compliance and verification, an order is issued for the renewal of the license. The renewal is typically extended for a the same period as the validity of the initial license, viz 5 years in most states, except Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh where the license is renewed for a period of 1 year. Note that there is no limit to the number of times a PSARA license can be renewed.
Documents Required for PSARA License Renewal
PSARA Renewal Application is incomplete without the submission of the supporting documents. These documents must be ideally collected before the application process begins to avoid any chaos or hindrance to the application’s progression. The documents include the documents of the agency’s incorporation, documents of its principal officers, documents of the business premises, and other miscellaneous tax and regulatory registrations. The table below presents a complete list:
| S.No | List of Documents Required for PSARA License |
|---|---|
|
1. |
Original PSARA License |
|
2. |
PAN, Identity & Address Proof of Key managerial persons |
|
3. |
Registered Address proof of Agency |
|
4. |
Duly signed affidavit acquired under section 7(2) PSARA Act, 2005 |
|
5. |
Logo of Private Security Agency |
|
6. |
Shops and Establishment Act Registration Certificate |
|
7. |
EPF and ESI Registration Certificate |
|
8. |
Affidavit of Security training |
|
9. |
Arms License |
|
10. |
Character Certificate for employees |
|
11. |
Copy of Income Tax Return (ITR) |
|
12. |
Certificate of Incorporation |
|
13. |
Duly signed Memorandum of Association |
|
14. |
Details of all Security Guards appointed |
|
Note: These are the generic documents applicable across all Indian States. However, your State Government may prescribe certain additional documents which you will have to provide. You can check this on the website of your Controlling Authority or reach out to us for free consultation. |
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PSARA license renewal is a critical process for private security agencies to maintain legal compliance and credibility in the industry. By adhering to the specified conditions, submitting the required documents, and following the outlined procedure, agencies can ensure uninterrupted operations and demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and safety. A renewed PSARA license reinforces the agency’s reputation, instills trust among clients, and reaffirms their dedication to providing reliable and responsible security services in accordance with the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act.
FAQs
Q1: Is PSARA license renewal mandatory for all private security agencies?
Yes, PSARA license renewal is mandatory for all private security agencies operating under the provisions of the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act. Renewing the license ensures continued legal compliance and allows agencies to provide security services without any interruption.
Q2: Can private security agencies continue their operations if the renewal process is pending?
It depends on the reason of pendency. If the renewal is pending because the application was not filed within the due date, then the pendency is not valid, and the agency will soon be considered unlicensed after the expiry of its license. However, if the application was filed within the due date but is pending for renewal on part of the controlling authority, then the validity of the existing license will continue for the intervening period. However, the Controlling Authority and the Private Security Agencies shall not be liable for delays occurring by reason of circumstances beyond human control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, riot, acts of God.
Q3: How long does it take to renew a PSARA license?
Once the renewal application is filed, the Controlling Authority shall dispose of it by passing a renewal or rejection order within 30 days of receiving the application across all Indian states.
Q4: What happens if a private security agency does not renew its PSARA license?
Non-renewal of PSARA License invites penalties like fines up to Rs.25,000 and imprisonment of the officers in-charge for up to 1 year. In severe cases, both might be applicable. Moreover, after the expiry of the license, the agency shall be considered unlicensed and will have to apply for a new PSARA license to continue operations legally.
Q5: What is the PSARA license Renewal Fees?
PSARA renewal fees are the same as the fees for grant of the original PSARA license. For one district it is Rs.5,000, for up to 5 districts it is Rs.10,000, for more than 5 districts or an entire state it is Rs. 25,000.