Former Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, & Spl. Secy., Internal Security, MHA
ASSOCHAM Conducted a National Conference on Homeland Security
Finding comprehensive solutions along with the private sector for homeland security, that also serves as a force multiplier, is a crucial concept for Aatmanirbhar and Surakshit Bharat,” stated VSK Kaumudi, IPS (Retd.), Former Secretary (Security), Cab. Sectt., & Spl. Secy., Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, at the national conference on ‘Homeland Security: Public-Private Partnership for Managing New Age Challenges.’ The conference was organized by the apex industry body, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
In order to protect against criminal activities, terrorism, and other threats to the country, Mr. Kaumudi underlined the significance of advanced security systems. He spoke about the nexus between inimical elements abroad and local terrorists and criminal gangs that affects the well-being of Indian citizens along the borders as well as in the heartland. The Indian government has been encouraging startups and private parties for developing sophisticated technology for weapons and security equipment, skill development of security personnel, and in cyber security through private-public partnership.
According to Mr. Kaumudi, India needs private-public partnership to foster the development of start-ups and to adopt the best available technology for robust security architecture.
Sanjay Agrawal, Dy Director General (Disaster Management) at the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India, highlighted the importance of establishing a public-private partnership model to enlist industrial partners for commercial use of the network while taking into account geographical areas and designing communication models for nationwide homeland security.
He further emphasized the need to utilize modern technologies in tandem with an integrated communication system in order to enhance safety measures. Additionally, he proposed that a well-devised communication strategy is essential in worst-case scenarios.
He stressed that a combination of modern technologies and an integrated communication system will bolster safety, and a well-prepared communication strategy is essential in the event of a crisis.
Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), underscored the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens with the collaboration of all stakeholders. He also highlighted that due to socio-economic conflicts, it is essential to come up with a plan of action to address them. According to him, private security is a major component of the sector and India has the largest security workforce of around 1 crore personnel who safeguard the nation.
Jasbir Singh Solanki, CEO of Mahindra Defence System Limited’s Homeland & Cyber Security division, highlighted cyber security as the biggest challenge given the prevalence of cybercrime around the globe. He urged a shift from a trader mentality to a builder mindset and advocated for the allocation of funds towards security protection technology.
Alpesh Kankariya, Partner (Homeland Security and Surveillance) at PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited (PwC), emphasized the fundamentals of homeland security, which encompasses counter-terrorism initiatives, security from natural disasters and public health hazards, as well as national security from external adversaries.
In his closing remarks, Anil Dhawan, Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Homeland Security & Disaster Management and MD of DB Secure Solutions Pvt Ltd., offered an insight into home-grown security solutions through the Public-Private Partnership model, as well as increased investment in research and development to meet specific security needs.
Among eminent dignitaries, a joint knowledge report titled ‘Cognitive Command and Control Centres-Redefining homeland security with emerging technology’ was released by ASSOCHAM-PwC.
