Towards Shared Vigilance

India's security future lies not only in state institutions but in a citizen-driven culture where private agencies, technology, and public trust merge into a resilient framework

- BHAGWAN SHANKAR THE WRITER IS A RETIRED IAS OFFICER WHO SERVED AS THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVT OF SIKKIM

The primary responsibility of any modern state is to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens. Protecting life is not just a matter of governance but a constitutional obligation. The Constitution of India, through Article 21, guarantees every individual the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. Implicit in this guarantee is the duty of the state to protect its citizens from threats, both external and internal. To meet this essential responsibility, successive governments in India have established a comprehensive security framework that includes the Defence Forces, State Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and auxiliary organisations like Civil Defence volunteers. Alongside these public institutions, a large workforce of private security personnel has also become a vital part of the security system. Operating under the Private Security Agencies Regulation (PSAR) Act and Rules, enacted by Parliament and overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), these agencies have gradually taken on a prominent role in maintaining internal security and public order.

The landscape of internal security in India has become increasingly complex. Rising crime rates and consistently low conviction rates have put great pressure on the police system. Additionally, operations like Operation Sindoor have shown that threats are not limited to traditional borders; they cross geographies, requiring a more widespread, community-focused approach to security. In this new environment, protecting every part of the country and making sure citizens are prepared to respond to emergencies—including the possibility of war—has become essential.