Anti-drone systems along border within six months: Amit Shah in Bikaner
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Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the deployment of anti-drone systems along the international border within six months to counter smuggling and infiltration. He also highlighted the (BSF)'s expanded jurisdiction (from 15 km to 50 km) and its new responsibilities, including monitoring demographic changes and illegal construction, to support state governments.
UPSC Perspectives
Internal Security
The deployment of anti-drone technology addresses the evolving nature of border management threats, specifically cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism. Drones are increasingly used to drop weapons, narcotics, and counterfeit currency, bypassing traditional border fencing and surveillance. The (MHA) has authorized the to procure and deploy these systems to neutralize this 'unmanned' threat. This move highlights a shift towards incorporating advanced technology (sensors, jammers, interceptors) to secure porous and challenging border terrains, as emphasized in the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) framework. UPSC may ask about the challenges of securing India's borders against non-traditional threats and the role of technology in enhancing border security.
Governance
The article highlights the shifting and expanding role of (CAPFs) like the . The recent expansion of the 's jurisdiction under the from 15 km to 50 km in certain states (including Rajasthan, Punjab, and West Bengal) grants them wider powers for search, seizure, and arrest. The Home Minister emphasized that the must now monitor 'artificial demographic changes' and illegal construction within this extended zone. This signifies a broadened mandate, moving beyond traditional border guarding to include aspects of internal security monitoring within a specified hinterland. This expanded role requires tight coordination with state law enforcement agencies to ensure effective governance and prevent jurisdictional friction. UPSC could frame a question on the evolving mandate of CAPFs and the need for synergy between central forces and state police.
Polity
The expansion of the 's jurisdiction and its new mandates touch upon the core principles of federalism. Under the , 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects (List II). However, the Centre has the authority to deploy armed forces in aid of civil power. The increase in the 's operational area to 50 km has been contentious, with states like Punjab and West Bengal previously arguing it infringes upon state autonomy and oversteps into the domain of the state police. The Home Minister's statement emphasizing that the must 'inform the civil administration' and 'inform the state government' regarding demographic changes and illegal construction highlights the necessity of cooperative federalism. It underscores that while the Centre is enhancing security measures, the primary responsibility for law and order within the state's territory remains with the state government, necessitating a collaborative approach rather than a superseding one. This tension between national security imperatives and state autonomy is a classic UPSC theme.