By KS Rao, CEO, Network Software and Services Business, STL
India is going through an interesting phase of its evolution. The country that was gunning for a $5 trillion economy was pegged back by an unforeseen pandemic. With the vaccination drive going great guns, I would like to believe the worst is behind us. It is now time to again look ahead and accelerate the efforts for socio-economic growth driven by technology.
Digitization has been a key enabler for socio-economic prosperity in various countries. There is no reason why increased digitisation cannot do wonders for India as well. It can be the enabler for the Ministry of Home Affairs to maintain peace, harmony and security in the country.
MHA needs a robust Homeland security ecosystem
The ever-changing nature of security threats (both internal and external), that India faces, are pushing for the need to readdress homeland security strategy.
With MHA handling multiple complexities regarding internal security, law & order, emergency, border infiltration and natural disasters, it needs an actionable intelligence ecosystem. An ecosystem of such kind is built on robust network infrastructure and enables real-time critical decision making in a crisis. This ecosystem should be akin to the ones made in other progressive countries. Singapore’s National Cyber Incident Response Teams (NCIRT), for example, enhanced the Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) and Business Continuity Plans (BCP) of the critical sectors. To mitigate cyber threats, Singapore’s MHA launched the National Cybercrime Action Plan (NCAP) that charts priorities needed to fight against cybercrime.
MHA’s current network and ICT infrastructure is working well to manage law and order situations. However, there is a need to augment and fortify these existing networks with digital capabilities such as Cyber Forensics, Action Orchestration, Resource Mobilisation, Criminal Database, AI/ML based predictive analysis and 24X7 CCTV surveillance.
Effective information management capabilities are the key
There is a need to further develop effective information management capabilities that could be leveraged to counter and mitigate threats. Here’s how it can be done.
Augment all stakeholder networks: There is a need to upgrade to a network that enables intelligence outputs, automation and predictive analysis. This scalable network will be fortified by digital technology and will ease the management efforts and increase efficiency.
Build surveillance ecosystem state-wise: There should be a 24X7 surveillance ecosystem with CCTV and video analytics for situational awareness. This will lead to faster response for emergency services and a reduction in crime rates.
Develop Data analytics and databases: This would enable AI/ML-based predictive threat awareness and forensic analysis on the fly. It would result in real-time analysis, auto-detection, reporting and event correlation capability, and improvement in lawful interception monitoring.
Establish Technology-led border management: Fortified and smart borders specific for border security forces like BSF, ITBP, SSB. etc This will optimise physical patrolling and ensure zero intrusions. This would increase the detection accuracy and ensure negligible false alarms in perimeter detection.
Strategic investment and key policy initiatives are crucial
The implementation of the above measures requires strategic Investments in network infrastructure. While the budgetary allocations towards security are increasing, there should be a special amount allocated towards network upgrade.
Apart from the budgetary outlay, the government should also take some key policy initiatives to enable MHA’s next-gen technology ecosystem:
• A centralised department should be set up for ICT upgradation with Project Management Units (PMP) at the state level.
• On the heels of Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, home-grown players should be given a chance to upgrade the country’s network infrastructure
A nation’s growth is directly proportionate to the prosperity and safety of its citizens. Digitization has already played a crucial role in the country’s economical and societal survival during the pandemic. It is time we leverage it to secure our borders and ensure our citizens are safe.
