Prelims - Current events of national and international importance.
Mains (GS-III) - Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Why in news?
Recently Government reconstituted National Security Advisory Board amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
- National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) – It was constituted in 1998 following recommendations of a special Task Force headed by K.C. Pant, then Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
- It is part of a three-tier national security management system consisting of,
- National Security Council (apex body headed by the Prime Minister)
- Strategic Policy Group (chaired by the Cabinet Secretary)
- National Security Advisory Board
- Initially constituted for one year, but since 2004-6, the Board has been reconstituted for two-year terms.
- The NSAB meets at least once a month or more frequently as needed.
- The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) assists the NSC, NSAB, and the Strategic Policy Group.
The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) is a unit under the Prime Minister's Office responsible for national security planning and coordination.
- Structure and Composition – The NSAB consists of senior retired officials from military, academics and distinguished members of civil society.
- Members are drawn from fields including Internal and External Security, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Science & Technology, and Economic Affairs.
- Chairman – Alok Joshi, former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), has been appointed as Chairman.
- The Reconstituted board includes seven new members:
- D.B. Venkatesh Varma (Retired IFS)
- Lt Gen A.K. Singh (Former Southern Army Commander)
- Air Marshal P.M. Sinha (Former Western Air Commander)
- Monty Khanna (Rear Admiral)
- Rajiv Ranjan Verma (Retired IPS)
- Manmohan Singh (Retired IPS)
- A.B. Mathur (Retired R&AW official)
- The board is reconstituted in a staggered manner to ensure continuity of expertise.
Functions
- Undertake long-term analysis of and provide perspectives on issues of national security.
- Study specific issues referred to it by the National Security Council.
- Provide policy recommendations and options to the National Security Council for consideration.
- Contribute to the formulation of India's national security policies and strategies.
References
- The Hindu| Govt reconstitutes NSAB
- NSAB| About National Security Advisory Board
