governance. And good governance is inconceivable if there is any compromise whatsoever in the enforcement of the rule of law. Continuing maladministration and corruption have created the impression that our polity, bureaucracy and the rich and influential elements are beyond the pale of law. National security can no longer be safeguarded by seeking refuge in the existing constitutional arrangements and division of responsibilities between the centre and the states. Nor can these grave and complex problems be tackled by the home ministry alone whose capability and resourcefulness has been progressively diluted over the years.

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