GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2602
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09
th
JULY, 2019/ ASHADHA 18, 1941 (SAKA)
NATIONAL SECURITY CLEARANCE POLICY
2602. SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the National Security Clearance (NSC) Policy of the Government is
time consuming as well as cumbersome;
(b) whether foreign investment is delayed as a result thereof; and
(c) the steps taken to make the grant of National Security Clearance effective?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): No Sir.
(c) Ministry of Home Affairs has streamlined the framework for security
clearance resulting in simpler and more efficient process. The average time
taken for clearance has reduced from 104 days in 2014 to 60 days in 2019.
Ministry of Home Affairs has issued revised Guidelines on 25.06.2018 on
National Security Clearance wherein security parameters have been explicitly
defined and formats for reporting by security agencies standardized. The other
steps taken in this direction include:
i. Formats have been prescribed for applying for security clearance.
ii. Online portal e-Sahaj developed for submission of applications for
security clearance.
iii. Foreign Investment Facilitation portal is utilised for applications for
foreign investment in Government approval route.
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LS.US.Q.NO.2602 FOR 09.07.2019
iv. Meeting of Committee of Officers headed by Special Secretary
(Internal Security) is held every week to consider security
clearance proposals in sensitive sectors.
v. Monthly co-ordination meetings are held with Administrative
Ministries and security agencies to review and monitor the
pendency of proposals.
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