Karnataka Panel Suggests 16-Component Strategic Resilience Plan
A member of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission has proposed a sweeping national security blueprint for the decade from 2027 to 2037. S. Mohandas Hegde unveiled the 'Nuwe National Security and Strategic Resilience Framework' on Friday in Bengaluru, calling on the Union government to examine it closely.
At its core, the framework argues that national security can no longer be measured only by military strength. Hegde says threats now arise from interlinked vulnerabilities, including breakdowns in energy, digital networks, global trade routes, health systems, water supply and public services.
To address this reality, the proposal recommends an integrated approach called 'National Resilience.' It links defence readiness, internal security, economic stability, technological progress, critical infrastructure protection, essential resource security, disaster management and constitutional governance into one coordinated structure.
The framework sets out 16 components for policy attention. These span defence and military security, internal security, cyber security, critical infrastructure, economic and financial security, energy, water and food security, public health, climate and disaster preparedness, strategic technology, space and maritime security, supply chains, information resilience, institutional governance, citizen preparedness and international diplomacy.
Shared principles are proposed to guide the review of these sectors. They include coordination between institutions, prioritisation based on risk, human oversight, constitutional safeguards, Centre-State collaboration, measurable outcomes and financial accountability.
One of the framework's key ideas is a recurring National Strategic Risk Assessment. This would identify weaknesses across security, economic, technological and environmental areas, evaluate current safeguards, expose capability gaps and propose ways to reduce risk.
The proposal places strong emphasis on safeguarding classified, sensitive and personal information. It also says only information whose public disclosure is appropriate should be made available to the public.
It further suggests examining secure digital coordination systems. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics could be used to forecast risks, map infrastructure and deliver early warnings, though the framework stresses that important security, legal and administrative decisions must stay with authorised human officials.
Rather than duplicating responsibilities, the proposal recommends strengthening existing bodies, including CERT-In, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and disaster management authorities, within their respective domains.
The roadmap runs in four phases. The first, from 2027 to 2028, would review current policies and identify coordination weaknesses. The second, from 2029 to 2031, would focus on developing capabilities. The third, from 2032 to 2034, would concentrate on improving integrated national resilience. The final phase, from 2035 to 2037, would involve independent evaluation, expenditure assessment and identification of future priorities.
Hegde has asked the Centre to undertake a preliminary review of the framework and invite inputs from central ministries, state governments, security agencies, regulators, scientific establishments, industry and technical specialists. A feasibility study should also be commissioned to assess institutional suitability, technical requirements, legal implications, financial viability and implementation risks.
The study could then lead to a document setting out multiple options with associated costs. This would help explore ways to strengthen existing systems and determine whether any additional arrangements require sanction.
The proposal stresses that it remains a policy concept offered for scrutiny and consultation, and is not an approved government programme. Its adoption or implementation would be subject to laws and approval from competent authorities.
The overarching goal is to strengthen national preparedness, protect citizens, maintain essential services, reduce vulnerabilities and improve India's ability to bounce back from major disruptions, while upholding constitutional values and strategic autonomy.