National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

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

1. The Hindu| Govt reconstitutes NSAB
2. NSAB| About National Security Advisory Board