New Delhi: The newly-formed Modi 3.0 government has unveiled its ministerial portfolios, ushering in a new era of governance.
With the Big 4 assuming their ministerial roles, a blend of continuity and change characterises the administration.
Amit Shah has assumed the pivotal role as the Union Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) for a second consecutive term, underscoring a commitment to continuity in addressing critical internal security matters.
Here’s an overview of the challenges awaiting Home Minister Amit Shah.
Facing an extensive array of responsibilities, Amit Shah’s foremost challenge lies in implementing the new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
These laws are set to replace the antiquated British-era statutes such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
With the Centre’s notifications indicating their enforcement from July 1, Shah has less than three weeks to ensure their seamless execution.
Another significant challenge facing Amit Shah is terrorism.
As the Home Minister, he is tasked with crafting strategies to counter the persistent threat of terrorism, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir where it is resurfacing.
A stark reminder of this challenge emerged when terrorists targeted a bus in J&K’s Reasi district on Sunday, leading to the loss of 10 pilgrims’ lives.
Addressing the ethnic violence in Manipur is yet another pressing task for Amit Shah. The northeastern state has been embroiled in ethnic conflicts for over a year now.
MHA must also remain vigilant against the threats posed by the Khalistani outfits, particularly given the recent events such as Amritpal Singh’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib, despite being incarcerated.
Singh’s electoral success could pose challenges for the security agencies, as he has been accused of promoting separatist ideologies in the recent past.
Also, restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir will be a top priority for the Home Minister.
Under his leadership, the Home Ministry must also guarantee violence-free Assembly elections in the region.
Mitigating cybercrime is another challenging task that the MHA has to deal with promptly.
‘Will build Bharat as bulwark against terror, Naxals’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the new Government will take its efforts for India’s security to the next level and build Bharat as a bulwark against terrorism, insurgency and Naxalism.
After taking charge of the Union Home Ministry for the second consecutive term, he also said the ministry under him remains committed to the security of the nation and its people, as it always has been.
Shah, 59, who has been holding the portfolio since 2019, has returned to the Modi 3.0 Government in the same capacity.
“Under the stewardship of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, I reassumed charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs today. The MHA will remain committed to the security of the nation and its people, as it always has been. Modi 3.0 will take its efforts for India’s security to the next level and build Bharat as a bulwark against terrorism, insurgency, and naxalism,” he wrote on X.
Before taking charge of the Ministry, Shah visited the National Police Memorial in the city’s Chanakyapuri area to pay homage to policemen who had laid down their lives while serving the nation.
“Remembering the martyrs of our police forces who laid down their lives guarding the honour of the nation and whose saga of sacrifice immortalised the fervour of patriotism forever. Paid floral tributes in their memory at the National Police Memorial,” he said.
Shah was elected from Gandhinagar constituency in Gujarat in the Lok Sabha election after defeating his nearest rival by a margin of 7.44 lakh votes.
He has also retained his other portfolio in the Ministry of Cooperation.