Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s internal security landscape. His tenure witnessed significant advancements in the policies governing the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and broader security frameworks. This blog delves into his contributions, the committees formed during his leadership, and their lasting impacts on India’s internal security.
Key Contributions to CAPF Development
1. Expansion of CAPFs
Dr. Singh’s government recognized the growing threats of terrorism, insurgency, and left-wing extremism (LWE). To address these challenges, the government:
- Increased the manpower and resources of CAPFs, particularly the CRPF, to combat insurgency in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- Established specialized units, such as the COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), dedicated to anti-Naxal operations.
2. Modernization of Forces
Dr. Singh’s tenure emphasized the need for technologically advanced and well-equipped CAPFs. This included:
- Allocating funds for procuring modern weapons, surveillance systems, and communication equipment.
- Improving training infrastructure with simulated environments for counter-insurgency and urban warfare.
3. Welfare Measures for CAPF Personnel
Acknowledging the hardships faced by CAPF personnel, the government introduced welfare measures, such as:
- Enhanced housing facilities and healthcare provisions.
- Comprehensive insurance schemes and increased ex-gratia payments for families of personnel killed in action.
- Grievance redressal mechanisms to boost morale and address personnel concerns effectively.
4. Strengthening Border Security
Under Dr. Singh’s leadership:
- The BSF and ITBP were bolstered to secure India’s borders with Pakistan and China, respectively.
- Infrastructure development, including border roads, fencing, and installation of high-tech surveillance systems, became a priority.
Broader Security Policies
1. Creation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Post the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Dr. Singh’s government established the NIA to investigate and prosecute offenses affecting national security. This agency improved coordination among intelligence and enforcement agencies.
2. Disaster Management Act (2005)
The formalization of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), composed of CAPF battalions, ensured a structured response to natural and man-made disasters.
3. Integrated Intelligence Framework
Dr. Singh emphasized enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms between central and state agencies. For instance, the creation of Multi-Agency Centres (MACs) provided a platform for real-time intelligence sharing, which played a crucial role in preempting potential threats. A notable example includes the timely interception of insurgent movements in the Northeast, showcasing the effectiveness of these mechanisms in averting large-scale incidents. This resulted in:
- Strengthened cooperation between CAPFs and state police forces.
- The development of Multi-Agency Centres (MACs) for real-time intelligence sharing.
Committees Formed and Their Impact
1. The Kargil Review Committee (Follow-Up)
While the Kargil Review Committee was formed under the previous administration, its recommendations were implemented during Dr. Singh’s tenure. This included:
- Strengthening border infrastructure and surveillance to prevent infiltration.
- Raising additional battalions in CAPFs for border security.
2. Sreedharan Committee on LWE
This committee was tasked with addressing left-wing extremism. Its recommendations led to:
- The formation of the Unified Command structure for anti-Naxal operations, improving coordination between CAPFs and state forces.
- Increased focus on socio-economic development in Naxal-affected regions, complemented by security operations.
3. Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)
The ARC’s recommendations on public order and internal security included:
- Establishing dedicated counter-terrorism cells within CAPFs.
- Proposals for better coordination between central and state security agencies, many of which were implemented to improve operational efficiency.
Lasting Impacts
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to CAPF policies and internal security left an enduring legacy. Key impacts include:
- Enhanced Operational Capabilities: Modernization efforts have made CAPFs more effective in dealing with contemporary security challenges.
- Better Coordination: Initiatives to improve intelligence-sharing and joint operations have strengthened India’s internal security apparatus.
- Focus on Welfare: Welfare measures introduced under his leadership continue to boost morale and retain skilled personnel within CAPFs.
Conclusion
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister marked a transformative period for India’s internal security and CAPFs. Future leaders can build on his legacy by continuing to modernize the forces, fostering better coordination among security agencies, and prioritizing the welfare of personnel to address emerging challenges effectively. His government’s policies and reforms addressed immediate security concerns while laying the foundation for long-term institutional strengthening. The committees formed during his leadership provided actionable recommendations, many of which continue to shape India’s approach to internal security and force modernization. His contributions remain a benchmark for strategic policy-making in the realm of national security.
निष्कर्ष
डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह का कार्यकाल भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा और केंद्रीय सशस्त्र पुलिस बलों (CAPFs) के लिए एक परिवर्तनकारी युग साबित हुआ। उन्होंने आतंकवाद, उग्रवाद और नक्सलवाद जैसे खतरों से निपटने के लिए CAPFs के विस्तार, आधुनिकीकरण और कल्याणकारी उपायों को प्राथमिकता दी। उनकी नीतियों ने न केवल तत्काल सुरक्षा चुनौतियों को संबोधित किया, बल्कि दीर्घकालिक संस्थागत सुधारों की नींव भी रखी। उनके द्वारा बनाई गई नीतियां और समितियों की सिफारिशें आज भी भारत की सुरक्षा रणनीतियों को आकार देने में सहायक हैं।
