Source: The post MHA is shifting towards reform oriented governance has been created, based on the article “The gradual transformation of the Home Ministry” published in “The Hindu” on 9 April 2025. MHA is shifting towards reform oriented governance.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountabilit
Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), once mainly seen as a crisis-response body in India, has gradually shifted towards a reform-driven approach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s motto of “Reform, Perform, and Transform” reflects this change. Governance today is not just about managing crises but building lasting systems.
From Reactive to Reform-Oriented Governance
1. Historically, the MHA responded to terrorism, insurgency, and industrial unrest. Its approach was reactive.
- Agencies like the CISF were created to handle strikes in the 1970s–80s. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was used for riot control. Due to weak state policing, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) were heavily relied on.
- However, these steps only addressed short-term issues without ensuring structural reforms.
Strategic Shift and Institutional Overhaul
1. In recent years, the MHA has changed its role. It is now focused on long-term internal security planning.
- It has strengthened counter-terror laws, modernised forces, adopted technology, and improved coordination among intelligence agencies.
- Over 27 legislative reforms since 2019 show this shift from reactive laws to a structured legal framework.
Legislative and Institutional Reforms
1. Earlier laws such as TADA, POTA, and the creation of NIA came after specific terror attacks. Now, the approach is more proactive. Amendments to the NIA Act and UAPA define terrorism in Indian law and target terror funding. The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) has been revamped, and intelligence-sharing has improved.
- Reforms also cover criminal justice. Three new laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — have been enacted. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) now links over 17,000 police stations, courts, jails, and forensic labs. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) has also been set up. States are now encouraged to separate forensic work from investigations.
Budgetary and Operational Strengthening
1. The shift is visible in rising financial support. The MHA budget crossed ₹1 lakh crore in 2019 and reached ₹2.33 lakh crore in 2025.
- Spending on Central Paramilitary Forces rose from ₹38,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹97,000 crore in 2024–25. This shows the government’s focus on security and modernisation.
Impact on Ground Security
1. The reformist approach has delivered results. Violence in Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxal-affected areas has declined by 70%.
- Measures like the dilution of Article 370, peace deals in the North-East, and combined security-development efforts in Naxal areas have improved political stability and social integration.
- Stone pelting in Kashmir has reduced, insurgency has weakened, and development is visible in former conflict zones.
Conclusion
The MHA has moved from a reaction-based institution to a proactive and reform-oriented body. Its long-term vision and institutional reforms have strengthened India’s internal security and built a future-ready governance framework.
Question for practice:
Discuss how the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has transformed from a reactive body to a reform-oriented institution.
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