Epilogue

118

EPILOGUE 7.1 It is for the first time, in independent India’s history, that a comprehensive review of the national security system in its entirety has been undertaken. This is most timely, as our security environment has inevitably experienced major changes in the preceding five decades. The apparatus and systems that we had inherited from the British, are no longer suitable in this day and age. The biggest challenge, facing the country today, is the need to step up the pace of economic growth and to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of the fruits of such growth. However, rapid development coupled with distributive justice cannot be achieved, without first ensuring stable peace and security in the country. Hence, the task of effectively safeguarding the country’s security assumes an overriding primacy and demands that the systemic reforms required for achieving this goal must be implemented without delay. 7.2 Despite the difficult and complex mandate given to the GoM, it has made an earnest effort to suggest a range of potential solutions. It must, however, be emphasised that any plan of action for reform is only as good as its implementation. Hence, it is essential to put in place procedures and a mechanism to ensure the speedy implementation of the recommendations, both in letter and spirit. 7.3 This report has covered broadly four major areas of national security i.e. Intelligence, Internal Security, Border Management and Management of Defence. It is suggested that the recommendations approved may be remitted for implementation to the concerned nodal Ministries/Secretariat i.e. the Cabinet Secretariat (NSCS) for Intelligence, Ministry of Home Affairs for Internal Security and Border Management and the Ministry of Defence for Management of Defence. The concerned nodal Ministry/Secretariat, while implementing these recommendations, should take into account the relevant Task Force Report for guidance and background. 7.4 Considering the need for speedy execution of the accepted recommendations, it will be necessary to provide undivided and focussed attention to their implementation. It is, therefore, recommended that each nodal Ministry/Secretariat may set up a separate cell, to undertake the task of monitoring implementation of the recommendations and for resolving any issues which impede the process of implementation. These cells should be headed by officers of the level of Additional/ Joint Secretary or an OSD and report directly to the Secretary-in-charge of the Ministry/Secretariat. 7.5 A quarterly review, of the implementation of the accepted recommendations, may be undertaken in a meeting of the concerned Secretaries, to be presided over by Cabinet Secretary. Such inter-Ministerial review should facilitate co-ordination where needed and removal of difficulties through mutual consultation, whenever required. An Action Taken Report may be prepared by the National Security Council Secretariat, under the guidance of the Cabinet Secretary/National Security Adviser on a quarterly basis and circulated among the concerned Secretaries and the Ministers for their information.

Report of the Group of Ministers on National Security

119

7.6 In addition, it is recommended that a six monthly Action Taken Report be submitted to the National Security Council/Cabinet Committee on Security for its information and for any directions that it may deem necessary. Any major issues emerging in the course of implementation or suggestions for mid-course corrections can be addressed at this level. 7.7 It is further proposed, that following acceptance of the recommendations contained in this report, the nodal ministries may be directed by the Cabinet Secretary to issue necessary executive orders within a period of three months. In certain matters which are complex and need inter-ministerial consultations, consultations with States, or legislative measures, a longer time frame may be required. Proposals of the concerned Ministries in this regard, seeking extension in the time-frame, may be approved at the level of the Cabinet Secretary, on the merits of each case. 7.8 Since this constitutes the first comprehensive review of our security mechanisms in their entirety and since the country is faced with a rapidly changing security environment, it is important that national security management systems are re-examined at periodic intervals. It is accordingly suggested that the next such review be undertaken after a period of five years. This exercise should take stock of the progress achieved in the implementation of the recommendations approved, address areas of difficulty and chart out a plan of action for the future. 7.9 It is hoped, in conclusion, that this Report would be able to make a modest contribution towards upgrading India’s security mechanisms and systems.

(LK Advani) Chairman

(George Fernandes) Member

(Jaswant Singh) Member

(Yashwant Sinha) Member

New Delhi February 19, 2001

Report of the Group of Ministers on National Security