IB, RAW should be democratised, says report

The Internal and external security agencies, Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing, should have professional and democratic framework that would enable the bodies to work more effectively, a draft report prepared by experts said.

Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and The Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) conducted a joint deliberation on 'Reforming India's Intelligence Structure'.

Congress MP and spokesperson Manish Tewari, Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy and retired IAS officer and incharge of task force on intelligence reform at IDSA, Rana Banerjee were present among others. The report proposed the concept of National Intelligence Coordinator (NIC) to coordinate with central security agencies and directly discuss the matter with National Security Adviser (NSA), Home, Defence and External Affairs Ministers under overall supervision and control of the Prime Minister.

Besides, the panelists emphasised for the need for balanced approach toward systematic institutional changes and maintaining operational security. They envisaged the role of NSA as main diplomatic adviser under the proposed concept of NIC and National Grid for quick and secure communications.

The discussion suggested need for comprehensive reforms, paradigm shift of working, improving recruitment, deputation, promotions, training for new recruits and better quality supervision of operations in intelligence agencies. "With the growing threat to national security, there comes a greater need for the strongest and most efficient structure of intelligence that can possibly be aspired to.

"While the legal framework is obviously important due to its role in establishing the official mandate of a security intelligence agency and its relationships with other key institutions, the legislature and judiciary, it is not necessarily the only approach that is to be kept in mind," the report said highlighting the findings.

The panelists also sought for legislative oversight into the working of intelligence agencies to remove them from perils of politicisation. The report concluded by stressing on need of dissenting ideas, human rights, a concept of national security that is limited to core political values and societal interests, and strict requirements for justifying the holding back of information from Parliament and the public and restricting the rights and freedoms of citizens. "The internalisation of these political values must thus proceed in tandem with legislation if we are to effectively proceed to reconciling the goals of a democracy with that of effective intelligence," the draft report added.