KS Nagarajan
Atmanirbhar Bharat must recognise a fundamental reality: while we have a strong defence apparatus to protect the nation from external enemies—who may appear intimidated or restrained—we also face a vast army of internal adversaries. These internal threats are often more dangerous than the external ones, and in many cases, they act at the behest of forces outside India.
Our corrupt authorities in the public distribution of essential goods and services constitute a major internal enemy. Some operate under external influence, directly or indirectly targeting India’s stability. Protests against SIR—meant to verify genuine citizens of Bharat and identify illegal intruders and migrants—are part of this internal sabotage. These infiltrators destabilise the nation from within: looting natural resources, creating social divisions, running parallel economies through fake currency, forged stamp papers, counterfeit lottery and bus tickets, and enabling smuggling networks of goods, drugs, and arms. We have witnessed devastating consequences in the form of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Parliament attack, and other acts of terror that exploited these internal weaknesses.
If we can pardon Maoist extremists when they surrender and lay down arms, then we must also introduce Quarterly Digitalised Compliance Declarations (QDCD) for all those who are obligated to follow and enforce the Rule of Law. This must become part of Conduct and Discipline Rules, enabling major penalty action against officials who fail to comply. Accountability must be institutional, measurable, and enforceable.
Atmanirbhar Bharat will be possible only as long as Bharat remains a truly sovereign nation—not superficially through gold-plated slogans, but by ring-fencing enemies of self-reliance and protecting our heritage, traditional wisdom, and dharmic way of life. Only then can we aspire to be Vishwa Guru.
We also know how internal enemies have systematically targeted leaders such as Narendra Modiji, Amit Shahji, Col. Purohit, scientist Nambi Narayanan, RBVS Mani, and even the author. Another category of internal enemies includes the massive pendency of cases in courts, which forces many advocates to survive by defending undesirable clients. Yet another set includes those behind incidents such as recent doctor suicides in Delhi, the Pahalgam attack, Uri attack, and others—none of which could have occurred without Over Ground Workers (OGWs) aiding them.
To make Atmanirbhar Bharat a reality, QDCD must become for officials what surrender and disarmament are for Maoist terrorists—an uncompromising entry point into lawful conduct and transparency.
Additionally, we must reform sectors riddled with corruption. This includes nationalising capitation-fee-based educational institutions—many of which may have encroached on government or temple lands, lakes, or built infrastructure using fraudulently obtained bank loans. Professional education can be reorganised into two-shift, industry-integrated “sandwich courses” with internships under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
NCC enrolment should cover at least 30% of the student population from class 9 onward, instilling patriotism and discipline from a young age. Higher educational institutions must be given specific, measurable innovation targets, ensuring incubators and innovators are supported meaningfully rather than burdening public funds without accountability.
Today, we see several government initiatives draining public money simply because the officials concerned bear no responsibility for the outcomes. Without QDCD, leakages will continue.
The author is a 1971 War Veteran and a hands-on Electrical & Mechanical Engineer actively engaged in catalysing innovation and incubation across scientific fields. As a whistle-blower who has exposed major corruption and successfully completed challenging engineering projects, the author urges concerned authorities—CIC, CBI, CDS—to instruct their respective Secretaries to obtain a letter from the author confirming that the issues raised are constructively resolved within a one-month timeframe.
