National Security Council (NSC)

National Security Council (NSC)

Part of: GS Prelims and GS –III- Security

In news: Amid the Pegasus Controversy, it was reported that the Union Government’s expenditure on the National Security Council secretariat (NSCS) increased ten fold in 2017-18 to Rs 333 crores from Rs 33 cr. in 2016-17.

About

• NSC of India is a three-tiered organization that oversees political, economic, energy and security issues of strategic concern.
• It was formed in 1999, where all aspects of national security are deliberated upon.
• The National Security Advisor (NSA) presides over the NSC, and is also the primary advisor to the prime minister. 
• NSC comprises the three tier structure- 
  • Strategic Policy Group (SPG)
  • National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) 
  • National Security Council Secretariat.
• The SPG chaired by the Cabinet Secretary is the principal forum for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of the relevant inputs.
• The NSAB undertakes long-term analysis and provides perspectives on issues of national security.
• Functions: It operates within the executive office of the prime minister of India, liaising between the government’s executive branch and the intelligence services, advising leadership on intelligence and security issues.
• Members: The Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs and Finance