Cabinet Committee On Security Of India Must Be Upbeat Says Praveen Dalal

By
Kunal Koel

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has recently stated that government of India is willing to empower a concerned ministry with additional powers if the situation demands so. He has also observed that whenever the government has empowered enforcement agencies with sweeping powers, there have been cases of misuse. So when the government gives them the authority that they require, it has to simultaneously ensure that there will be adequate safeguards to prevent any misuse.

This is one of the most sensible and mature statements by an Indian minister, says Praveen Dalal the leading techno-legal expert of India. However, the call is not meant for a finance minister but for the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) of India to take. The role of CCS is presently not very proactive. Although it has done a good job by demanding procedural safeguards for the national intelligence grid (Natgrid) project yet it must vigorously concentrate upon internal and external security of India as well, suggests Dalal

The CCS can form committees and sub committees for various issues of national importance where experts from different fields can provided their suggestions, opined Dalal.

The internal security of India is presently under great stress due to terrorist activities and extremists acts. The home ministry of India must get a good support from not only other ministries but also from the CCS itself, recommends Dalal.