Will India Ever Learn From Her History? - Part 2

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In combating adversaries of the country, the intelligence organizations have had an important role. The Indian intelligence organization has been rated as one of the best in the world. But to prevent terrorist incidents occurring in different parts of the country, the need has been felt for a Federal Intelligence agency. As of now, the Intelligence Bureau has no authority over the state intelligence organizations. After every terrorist incident, usually allegations are traded accusing the Centre of not having informed the States about the possibility of the incidents.

Suggestions to strengthen the intelligence set up have been recommended in the Status paper on Internal Security prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Veerappa Moily has suggested positive proposals to strengthen the intelligence machinery – both its human intelligence system and the technical intelligence apparatus. Nearly two years ago, a model Police Act was drafted, but nothing has materialized. India was a unitary State when the British ruled it. When we attained freedom, our founding fathers drafted a Constitution that was quasi-federal. The Congress party held office both at the Centre and the States for nearly two decades after Independence. With coalition Governments holding office at the center, the country is now more of a Federal State. It is time we set up a Federal Intelligence Agency, if we want to bring down incidents of terrorist violence. It will only strengthen the States rather than take away their authority. There is no need to amend the Constitution, as even after creating such force, the law and order will continue to be the responsibility of the State Governments.

During my early years of service as a communicator in the central Government, a great deal of effort was spent on inculcating among the people that the strength of India is her unity in diversity. We were also aware that India faced dangers when its people were divided. History tell us that India faced dangers when it was divided. The way our political parties have been trading charges after the violent incidents in Jaipur, it looks as if we have learnt nothing from history.

I. Ramamohan Rao, former Principal Information Officer, Government of India.