What were the major recommendations of the ’Group of Ministers’ on Indian National Security System?

The Group of Ministers (GOM) was set up in April 2000 to review the national security system in its entirety and in particular to consider the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee. The GOM, under the Chairmanship of Shri L.K. Advani, submitted its report on 23rd May 2001.

Its main recommendations were:

Central government is advised not to involve the para-military forces in works other than their duties.

• To make utilisation of the emergency provisions in issues endangering national security and integrity like Kargil.
• To speed up the judicial system on criminal matters.
• To strengthen the intelligence agencies.
• To constitute a joint command of Defence Ministry with Defence forces.
• To review and amend various laws, including the Citizenship Act, to make their implementation more effective.
• To strengthen internal security, border security and management, vesting them with more powers and less political interferences.

All these recommendations were made to prevent repetition of incidents like Kargil attack in India.