Government Specifies Roles for Telecom Network Security and Cyber Crime Management

The government has clarified the responsibilities of its various departments concerning telecom network security, cyber security, and cyber crime. A notification from the Cabinet Secretariat on Friday night stated that the president, using powers under clause 3 of article 77 of the Constitution, has revised the Government of India Allocation of Business Rules, 1961. This revision assigns specific roles to different Union Ministries and Departments.

The Department of Telecommunications, under the Ministry of Communication, will now handle telecom network security. According to the notification, in the Government of India Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, under THE SECOND SCHEDULE, within the MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS SANCHAR MANTRALAYA heading and under A. DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS DOOR SANCHAR VIBHAG sub-heading, a new entry labeled 1A will be added for telecom network security matters.

Cyber Security Responsibilities

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will assist other central ministries and departments with cyber security issues. The notification specifies that under the MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIKI AUR SOOCHANA PRAUDYOGIKI MANTRALAYA heading, after entry 5A, a new entry 5B will be included. This entry covers cyber security matters as outlined in the Information Technology Act, 2000, which is updated periodically.

For cyber crime issues, the Department of Internal Security within the Ministry of Home Affairs will take charge. The notification mentions that under the MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GRIH MANTRALAYA heading and A. DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY ANTRIK SURAKSHA VIBHAG sub-heading, a new entry 36A will be added specifically for cyber crime matters.

Strategic Coordination for Cyber Security

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), part of the Prime Minister's Office, will oversee overall coordination and strategic direction for cyber security. The notification states that under the NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARIAT RASHTRIYA SURAKSHA PARISHAD SACHIVALAYA heading, after entry 2, a new entry 3 will be inserted to provide this strategic oversight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi oversees the NSCS with NSA Ajit Doval serving as its secretary. The NSCS acts as the top body for all internal and external security matters in India. The newly amended rules are titled the Government of India Allocation of Business Three Hundred and Seventy Seventh Amendment Rules, 2024 and are effective immediately.