BY LT GEN A B SHIVANE, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (RETD)
National Citizen’s Security Culture refers to the shared values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and actions of citizens and society that promote the protection and preservation of a nation’s security interests and the safety of its citizens. It elicits curiosity that exhibits security consciousness as a moral responsibility in a day-to-day schedule.
In a bold initiative aimed at reshaping India’s security landscape, the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) has conducted a groundbreaking national survey as part of the Mission National Citizens Security Culture (NCSC). The National Citizens Security Culture is another landmark initiative which has been conceptualized by its visionary Chairman Kunwar Vikram Singh.
This landmark survey reveals critical insights into how citizens perceive their role in national security, underscoring the urgent need for a collective approach to tackle both traditional and non-traditional security threats. As India marches towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering a robust security culture is no longer a choice but a necessity for its most important pillar – Suraksit Bharat.
Kautilya’s Timeless Theory of Threats
Kautilya, an ancient Indian scholar and visionary strategist, provided insights on statecraft and threats that remain timeless even today. Viksit Bharat will have to navigate these complexities of evolving geopolitics and national security threats. Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’ identified four types of diverse and interconnected threats that can destabilise a nation-state. Today India faces them all, yet the most dangerous and likely all pervasive threats are the internal threats both internally and externally abetted.
These will only intensify with the trajectory of Viksit Bharat.
- Internal Threats (Aabhyantarik Shatrus)
- External Threats (Bahya Shatrus)
- Internally Abetted External Threats (Aabhyantarik Shatruyon Se Prerit Bahya Shatrus)
- Externally Abetted Internal Threats (Bahya Shatruyon Se Prerit Aabhyantarik Shatrus)
Objectives and Purpose of the Survey
The National Citizens Security Culture seeks to transform the traditional security mindset, holistically magnifying responsibility from government agencies to the citizens in the spirit of ‘Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.’ CAPSI’s initiative recognises modern security challenges beyond just the kinetic domain or the borders. It focuses on the most vulnerable internal security domain ranging from cyber terrorism threats which requires a multi-faceted approach that blends technology, governance, and active citizen participation.
The survey had two core objectives:
- Understand Public Perception: Gauge how Indian citizens view their role in national security and what steps they are willing to take as important feedback to the felt needs.
- Identify Key Security Challenges: Highlight the most pressing threats and obstacles to implementing a national security culture that extends to every citizen.
By engaging key stakeholders ranging from security professionals to policymakers, the survey presents a comprehensive view of the security ecosystem in India
Survey Highlights and Key Findings
Overwhelming support for national security culture
One of the most resounding outcomes of the survey was the near unanimous agreement on the importance of developing a National Citizen’s Security Culture. An overwhelming 91.5% of respondents rated this initiative as ‘very important.’ This reflects a growing awareness among citizens that security cannot be left solely to government agencies or security forces. Instead, a collaborative approach where citizens play an active role is seen as essential for addressing the complex security landscape of the 21st century.
In the words of Chairman CAPSI, Kunwar Vikram Singh, “Securityis not just the responsibility of the state; it is everyone’s responsibility. This survey is a testament to the public’s readiness to contribute to national security efforts.”
Cybersecurity: The foremost threat
The survey identified cyber threats as the primary concern, with 36.4% of respondents highlighting this as the most critical security challenge. In an era where cyber warfare is becoming a norm, and digital infrastructure remains vulnerable, the emphasis on cybersecurity awareness shift in the public domain is critical. Citizens are increasingly aware that digital safety is integral to personal and national security.
Furthermore, 23.6% of respondents flagged personal safety as a major concern, indicating that while cyber threats dominate, traditional forms of violence, gender insecurity and crime are still significant in the public consciousness.
Barriers to fostering collaboration
One of the more discerning findings was that 41.2% of respondents believe fostering collaboration between citizens, state security machinery, and other stakeholders is a significant challenge. This highlights the need for better communication channels and trust-building between the public and security forces. The lack of effective community involvement in security measures emerged as another challenge, with 37.6% citing it as an obstacle.
Preferred channels for awareness
When it comes to disseminating information about national security culture, social media emerged as the most effective tool, with 61.2% of respondents choosing platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as the best ways to engage the public. This is a powerful insight for policymakers and security experts, showing where future efforts should be concentrated to raise awareness and build a security-conscious society. Television was the second most preferred medium at 20.6%.
Education and awareness: Keycomponents
The survey revealed that 50.9% of respondents believe awareness and education should be the top priorities in building a successful National Citizen’s Security Culture. This shows a clear demand for structured programs that begin at the grassroots level. Respondents indicated that integrating security into the educational curriculum from schools to higher education will help nurture a security mindset from a young age.
In line with this, 45.5% believe that including citizen security in the National Education Policy, 2020 is crucial for creating a long-term institutional framework for security awareness.
Empowering communities through training
Grassroots initiatives emerged as a critical recommendation for fostering active involvement. 54.5% of respondents believe that training initiatives in schools, colleges, and local communities are essential to empower citizens. This aligns with the broader goal of creating an inclusive, citizen driven security model.
Implications and Recommendations
The survey results have profound implications for India’s security apparatus. The call for collaboration between government authorities, private security forces, and the public signals a shift from a top-down to a more inclusive security approach. CAPSI’s vision ‘Security isEveryone’s Responsibility,’ resonates deeply with respondents, but the challenge lies in implementation.
Public-private partnerships
A key recommendation is the formation of public-private partnerships. These collaborations can bridge the gap between government resources and the agility of private security firms. As India’s economy and infrastructure expand, the private sector will be crucial in protecting commercial and residential spaces, especially in urban areas where 78.8% of respondents reside.
Integrating security into the curriculum
One of the most actionable recommendations is integrating security awareness into educational institutions. By embedding internal security studies in the middle school curriculum and collaborating with the Ministry of Education, CAPSI aims to nurture a generation that is not only security-conscious but also proactive in community vigilance.
Strengthening cyber resilience
Given the public’s emphasis on cyber threats, strengthening India’s cybersecurity framework is paramount. This involves not only upgrading digital infrastructure but also raising public awareness about online safety practices.
In my view, India’s future battles will not just be fought on land, air, or sea, but in cyberspace. This non-kinetic threat can be the most crippling silent killer which is all pervasive beyond boundaries. Our citizens must be equipped with the awareness and tools to defend themselves digitally.
Localised security solutions
India’s diversity demands a security framework that adapts to the socioeconomic realities of different states. CAPSI’s survey highlights that a one-size-fits-all model will not work. Instead, security strategies need to be localised, with state-specific approaches to threats like drug trafficking, social security, and radicalisation.
Stay alert, stay safe
The survey strongly endorses the need for an active, vigilant society, and CAPSI’s ‘Stay Alert-Stay Safe’ campaign is a key step in this direction. Encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities can serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement, enhancing early detection and prevention of security incidents.
“The National Citizens Security Culture seeks to transform the traditional security mindset, holistically magnifying responsibility from government agencies to the citizens in the spirit of ‘Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.’ CAPSI’s initiative recognises modern security challenges beyond just the kinetic domain or the borders. It focuses on the most vulnerable internal security domain ranging from cyber terrorism threats which requires a multi-faceted approach that blends technology, governance, and active citizen participation”
Conclusion: A Collective Mission for a Secure Future
CAPSI’s landmark survey has laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in how India approaches Suraksit Bharat as the core issue of Viksit Bharat. The public’s willingness to embrace their role in ensuring safety reflects a mature understanding of modern security dynamics. But as the survey also highlights, creating a National Citizen’s Security Culture requires more than just awareness – it demands action, education, and collaboration across sectors.
As India sets its sights on Viksit Bharat 2047, building a security culture from the grassroots level up is essential. The role of each citizen is pivotal in securing a safe, prosperous, and empowered India. CAPSI’s novel initiative is a vital step in this journey, and with concerted efforts, India can create a secure nation where every individual plays an active role in safeguarding the future.
