India's Private Security Industry
Life as a Security Guard
What security guards earn, their long 12-hour shifts, lack of weekly offs and benefits, and why many are migrants or ex-servicemen.
Security guards often work hard for low pay.
Wages
Many guards earn close to minimum wage, sometimes less.
Shifts
12-hour shifts are common, often without weekly offs.
Benefits
Agencies should pay PF and ESI, but some skip them.
Who they are
- Migrants from Bihar, UP, Odisha and the Northeast.
- Ex-servicemen in supervisory roles.
Respect
Guards sometimes face disrespect from residents.
Outsourcing
Clients hire agencies at low rates, squeezing guards’ pay.
The night guard
A guard works 12-hour night shifts for a month without a day off, sending most of his pay home.
Thinking guards have easy jobs
Long shifts and low pay are common.
Key takeaways
- Many guards earn near minimum wage.
- 12-hour shifts are common.
- Some agencies skip PF and ESI.
- Many are migrants or ex-servicemen.
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