Way Ahead

Keen to push the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the aftermath of the serial blasts in Hyderabad, the home ministry tweaked the proposal in 2013 saying NCTC will inform the chief of state police before conducting any operation in state's jurisdiction. Besides this introduction of safeguards is necessary so that the NCTC does not get unbridled powers.

The country has to function as one, irrespective of which party is in power. India follows a federal system and this mandates that both the Union and state governments work in tandem. In no way can the Union government impose its will without consulting with the state governments.

For a federal system to succeed there is an urgent need to reach a consensus on matters such as terrorism, which is a national concern.