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Internal Security Architecture: Centre-State Coordination
July 19, 20266 min read
Internal Security Architecture: Centre-State Coordination
Introduction
India's internal security apparatus is characterised by a federal structure where 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule (List II, Entry 1 & 2), while the Centre retains substantial powers through Union List entries (List I, Entry 1 - Defence; Entry 2-A - Deployment of armed forces; Entry 8 - Preventive detention for security purposes) and Concurrent List entries. This creates a complex coordination challenge.
Constitutional Framework
Division of Powers
| Aspect | Centre | State |
|---|---|---|
| Police | Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); training standards; CBI; NIA | State Police (primary law enforcement) |
| Public Order | Can deploy forces under Article 355 (protect states) and Article 356 (President's Rule) | State government primarily responsible |
| Intelligence | IB, RAW, NATGRID, MAC (Multi-Agency Centre) | State Special Branch |
| Legal | UAPA, NSA, NIA Act | State-specific acts |
| Armed Forces | Deployment under Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Central paramilitary | Only state police (civil police) |
Key Constitutional Provisions
- Article 355 - Duty of the Union to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbance.
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