Day: May 1, 2025

By Kunwar Vikram Singh,Chairman, CAPSI Introduction In India, the Constitution enshrines the fundamental right to security for every citizen, placing the onus on the government to uphold law and order. The security of citizens is explicitly stated as a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution. It is implicitly covered under the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) and the right to constitutional remedies (Article 32). The state has a duty to protect citizens from harm and ensure their safety. However, due to various challenges such as inadequate police forces, resource constraints, and rising security threats, the government has increasingly relied on private security agencies to fulfill this critical function. This note examines the role of private security agencies in this context and argues that the government should support them financially, as they effectively act as proxies for state security. Private security agencies as proxy providers The emergence of private security agencies has filled a significant void in the public security framework, particularly in urban areas where crime rates are higher. The Private Security Agencies Regulation Act was enacted to provide a legal framework for these entities, allowing them to operate within a regulated environment while addressing the growing demand for security services. Fulfilling security gaps As the government faces limitations in terms of manpower, funding, and resources, private security agencies play a pivotal role in enhancing safety for individuals and businesses. They not only provide physical security but also contribute to surveillance and risk management, thereby complementing the efforts of public law enforcement. Legitimization through regulation The regulation of private security agencies signifies the government’s acknowledgment of their importance in the security landscape. However, this regulatory framework also implies that the state recognizes these agencies as extensions of its responsibility to secure the populace. Proxy functions and financial responsibility Since private security agencies are effectively performing a proxy role for the government, it raises key questions about accountability and funding: Government responsibility The government is fundamentally responsible for ensuring the safety of its citizens, and when it delegates this function to private entities, it must acknowledge this responsibility financially. The burden of security provision should noat primarily rest on citizens, who are entitled to the fundamental right to security guaranteed by the Constitution. 2. Financial support for private agencies Given that these agencies are performing essential functions traditionally associated with law enforcement, the government should allocate funds to private security firms. This funding can support operational costs, training, and resources needed for effective security provision, ensuring that these agencies can operate efficiently without passing the financial burden onto the citizens. 3. Ensuring access to security By providing financial support to private security agencies, the government can ensure that security services remain accessible and affordable for all citizens especially those living in housing societies. This acknowledgment of the state’s role in bolstering private security efforts is crucial for upholding the spirit of the fundamental right to security. Constituting National Citizens Security Fund We propose that the government consider implementing a structure that encourages or mandates corporations to allocate a portion of their CSR budgets to the National Citizens Security Fund. This fund would be specifically aimed at enhancing public safety infrastructure, community policing initiatives, and other security-related programs that benefit citizens directly including the payment to private security agencies which are providing security to housing societies. Many corporations have significant CSR budgets that are not effectively utilized for pressing social challenges. Redirecting a portion of these funds to national security can enhance their impact and address critical needs. By linking CSR funds to national security, corporations can demonstrate their commitment to societal well-being, which can also enhance their brand image and consumer trust. Funding allocated to local security initiatives can foster stronger community relations, as citizens observe tangible benefits stemming from corporate contributions to their security. Establish guidelines The government should develop clear guidelines outlining how corporations can contribute to the National Citizens Security Fund through their CSR budgets. Awareness campaign A nationwide campaign to educate corporations about the importance of contributing to national security can encourage participation. Monitoring and reporting: Establish a transparent mechanism to track contributions and measure their impact on citizens’ safety, ensuring accountability and encouraging further participation. Conclusion The security of our citizenry is paramount, and it is essential that suggested funding sources are explored to bolster our national security framework. By encouraging corporates to support the National Citizens Security Fund from their CSR allocations, we can create a synergistic approach that not only addresses pressing security challenges but also enhances corporate engagement with communities. The reliance on private security agencies to supplement governmental security efforts highlights a critical intersection between public responsibility and private provision. As these agencies undertake roles traditionally expected from the government, it is necessary for the state to support them financialy. This approach not only alleviates the burden on citizens but also reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting the fundamental right to security enshrined in the Constitution. By recognizing the importance of private security agencies and providing the necessary support, the government can create a more integrated and effective security framework for all. We urge the government to consider this proposal seriously and take proactive measures to facilitate corporate contributions to the National Citizens Security Fund. Read More

Major Sadhna SinghConsultant (Security and Law Division)NITI AAYOG In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the internet is an essential part of daily life, offering numerous opportunities for education, entertainment, and social interaction. However, this digital landscape also poses significant risks, especially for children. As young users navigate online spaces, they are exposed to threats such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and privacy violations. As guardians of the next generation, it is crucial to understand these dangers and take active steps to protect children online. This article explores the importance of online safety for children, the risks they face, and the strategies parents, educators, and policymakers can adopt to create safer online environments. India’s population is characterized by a rich diversity of socio-economic backgrounds, leading to a wide range of devices in use- from advanced, secure electronics to budget-friendly mobile phones. This diversity poses challenges for authorities in establishing uniform legal and technical standards for data protection. Moreover, low levels of digital literacy and awareness further complicate efforts to ensure effective data security across the country The growing presence of children online Children and young people around the world are among the most active users of the Internet and web based services in today’s increasingly connected digital landscape. It is estimated that one in three children globally uses the Internet, meaning that one in three Internet users is under 18 years of age. Young people use the web for a variety of purposes, including accessing educational resources, entertainment, developing digital skills, and maintaining social connections and online identities. However, the widespread availability of online content also exposes children to age-inappropriate material and various online risks. Children are particularly susceptible to abuse and exploitation by cyber-predators and other malicious actors at this young age and in their developmental stage. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified this challenge. Lockdowns and restrictions on movement made digitalization an urgent necessity, with schools shifting from in-person classes to remote learning through virtual platforms. While this transition ensured continuity in education, it also dehumanized learning environments, disrupted social interactions, and isolated children in the digital space. This surge in digital exposure introduced new risks to their safety, well-being, and mental health. There was steep rise of 32% in cyber-crime against children from 2021 to 2022 as per National Crime Records Bureau official data. Emerging child concerns in this digital era include digital addiction, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online. Additionally, social media platforms, chat rooms, and online games present further threats to children’s security. Often, parents and guardians lack the digital literacy needed to understand and mitigate these risks, leaving children vulnerable to the negative impacts of their online experiences on their mental and emotional health. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the internet is an essential part of daily life, offering numerous opportunities for education, entertainment, and social interaction. However, this digital landscape also poses significant risks, especially for children. As young users navigate online spaces, they are exposed to threats such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and privacy violations With the widespread availability of smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, children spend increasing amounts of time online. According to recent data, the majority of children are accessing the internet from an early age. Table 1: Trends in children’s Internet isage (2023) AgeGroup AverageHours SpentOnline perDay PercentageOwning aSmartphone Most Common Activities 0-5years 1.5 hours N/A Educationalvideos, games 6-10years 2.5 hours 60% Social media,gaming,videos 11-15years 4 hours 85% Social media,online chats,gaming 16-18years 6 hours 95% Social media,online forums,shopping Source: Child Internet Safety 2023 Report This table demonstrates how internet usage increases with age. However, it also highlights the vulnerability children face as they grow up in a digital world. In addition to spending hours online, children often interact with others across various platforms, which can expose them to new risks. Risks Children Face Online While the internet offers great educational and entertainment value, it also brings a set of significant risks for children. The most common risks include: Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is one of the most prevalent online risks for the young people around the world. It involves the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or manipulate others. It is one of the major threats that the children and teens face incessantly via social media sites and video games and can affect young people each time they are exposed to hate speech, violent content including messages that incite self-harm and suicides. Approximately 20 percent children face bullying through social networks and additional 8 percent through the video games chat rooms. Cyberbullying can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on children, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation. As children become more engaged on social media platforms, the risk of encountering bullying increases. As guardians of the next generation, it is crucial to understand these dangers and take active steps to protect children online. This article explores the importance of online safety for children, the risks they face, and the strategies parents, educators, and policymakers can adopt to create safer online environments Inappropriate content Another significant threat is the exposure to inappropriate or harmful content. With billions of videos and websites available online, it’s not uncommon for children to stumble upon explicit or distressing material, even when browsing innocently. Sometimes under peer pressure, accidental searches or curiosity they stumble upon explicit material on the internet that they should not see at this impressionable age. Online predators The anonymity of the internet creates opportunities for online predators to engage with children. Predators often exploit the vulnerabilities of young children by accessing social networking sites and chat platforms to engage with them, taking advantage of the anonymity, these spaces provide. This can put children at significant risk of abuse, exploitation, and other threats to their safety and security. Additionally, cyberbullying has become a widespread danger on social media platforms, further endangering children’s well-being. Privacy concerns Privacy violations are another critical concern. Many children unknowingly share personal details online,…