Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman
Central Association of Private Security Industry
The Central Association of Private Security Industry shall be initiating a national movement to evolve a New National Security Culture so that People of Bharat live and prosper in the most secure environments.
As have reasons to believe that In today’s evolving world, the importance of national security cannot be overstated. As threats become more diverse and complex, it is imperative that nations cultivate a robust national security culture. This document highlights the need for a new national security culture to bolster internal security and strengthen democracy at all levels. Furthermore, it explores the role of civil society in effectively engaging in a national movement to ensure that citizens embrace and follow the principles of national security culture.
1. Understanding National Security Culture
National security culture refers to the shared values, norms, attitudes, and behaviors that promote the protection and preservation of a nation’s security interests. It encompasses a broad range of aspects such as national defense, law enforcement, intelligence gathering, emergency preparedness, and counterterrorism measures.
2. The Importance of a New National Security Culture:
- Protecting Internal Security: A well-developed national security culture is crucial for safeguarding a nation’s internal security. It ensures that citizens are aware of potential threats and are committed to supporting and cooperating with security agencies to address these challenges effectively.
- Strengthening Democracy: National security culture and democracy go hand in hand. A strong national security culture strengthens democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual rights and liberties, promoting transparency, and maintaining public trust in security institutions.
3. Engaging Civil Society in the National Movement:
- Raising Awareness: Civil society organizations play a vital role in disseminating information and raising awareness about the importance of national security culture. They can organize workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about national security risks, challenges, and the need for collective action.
- Promoting Civic Education: Civil society can work closely with educational institutions to incorporate national security education into the curriculum. By fostering civic education, citizens will develop a deeper understanding of their role in national security and the significance of democratic values.
- Collaboration with Security Institutions: Civil society organizations can actively engage with security institutions to bridge the gap between citizens and the security apparatus. This collaboration fosters trust, transparency, and accountability. Regular meetings, forums, and consultations with civil society representatives can enable citizens to contribute their perspectives and expertise to national security policymaking.
- Encouraging Active Citizenship: Civil society can encourage citizens to actively participate in democracy by advocating for accountable governance, providing feedback on security policies, and reporting suspicious activities. Engaging citizens as active stakeholders cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility in maintaining national security.
4. Ensuring National Security Culture is Embodied and Followed
- Legislative Measures: Governments can enact legislation that promotes and reinforces national security culture. This includes laws that protect whistleblowers, ensure citizen privacy rights, and provide legal frameworks for counterterrorism efforts while safeguarding fundamental rights and civil liberties.
- Transparency and Accountability: Security institutions should exhibit transparent practices and be accountable to citizens. Regular reporting on their activities, public audits, and mechanisms for citizen oversight can help ensure that national security efforts are carried out within the boundaries of the law and in line with democratic principles.
Building a new national security culture is crucial for maintaining internal security and strengthening democracy at all levels. Civil society organizations have a crucial role to play in driving a national movement to ensure that citizens are effectively engaged in embracing and following the principles of national security culture. By raising awareness, promoting civic education, collaborating with security institutions, and encouraging active citizenship, civil society can significantly contribute to creating a secure and democratic society for all.
CAPSI has decided to launch this national movement on November 24. 2023 at 18th Security Leadership Summit to be held at Gandhinagar,‘Gujarat. It will be followed by a Round Table & New National Security Culture Conclave to be organised at New Delhi.
