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Annexure E

No. C-182/1/2000-NSCS(CS)
Cabinet Secretariat
(National Security Council Secretariat)

New Delhi, May 16, 2000

Subject : Task Force to Consider Measures for Improving Border Management

It has been decided with the approval of the Group of Ministers (GOM)
constituted vide Cabinet Secretariat letter No.141/2/1/2000-TS dated April 17, 2000 to
set up a task force to consider measures for improving border management and, in
particular, to consider the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee in this
regard and formulate specific proposals for GOM’s consideration.

2. The terms of reference of the task force shall be as under:-

(a) To propose measures to safeguard not only the security of India's land
and maritime boundaries but also that of its island territories, territorial
waters and exclusive economic zone; in addition, to propose appropriate
steps to preserve the sanctity of its air space.

(b) To study in detail steps needed to improve border management and, in

particular, to suggest measures for appropriate force structures and
procedures to deal with entry of narcotics, illegal migrants, terrorists and
arms; and to recommend measures to address existing deficiencies
including suitable steps for vigilance, fencing, illumination and related
matters.

(c) To review citizenship, Passport and immigration control laws/systems

and suggest needed reforms.

(d) To recommend means for implementation by the States and the Centre
to check, reduce and eliminate illegal immigration.

(e) To examine the measures to establish closer linkages with the border
population and to protect them from subversive propaganda, to prevent
unauthorised settlements and to initiate special developmental
programmes. In this context, the role of security agencies in
supplementing these efforts and means of harmonising the efforts of
security agencies and of local administration may be recommended.

Report of the Group of Ministers on National Security

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3. The composition of the task force will be as under :-

Dr. Madhav Godbole - Chairman

Shri ML Mehta - Member
Shri T Ananthachari - Member
Vice Admiral (Retd) AR Tandon - Member
Shri D.V.L.N. Ramakrishna Rao - Member
Shri Chinmoy Chakravarty - Member

4. The task force may engage such consultants for its assistance as it may
consider essential with the concurrence of the NSCS.

5. The task force should interact with key officials from all concerned
Ministries/Organisations/Agencies, the other three task forces set up by the GOM and
such experts as it may wish to consult. The task force may also review earlier reports
on the subject commissioned by the Government, if considered relevant.

6. The task force will submit its report within 3 months from the date of its
constitution. The task force may also submit interim reports for urgent consideration
of the GOM, if considered expedient.

7. The task force will be serviced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which will
also provide it requisite facilities and administrative/secretarial support.

Sd/-
( Satish Chandra )
Secretary, NSCS

Report of the Group of Ministers on National Security