Human Security in South Asia | NCERT & Political Science Discussion

 Human Security in South Asia | NCERT & Political Science Discussion

Human Security in South Asia is an important topic in NCERT Political Science, especially in Class 12 (Contemporary World Politics), and it is also highly relevant for competitive examinations such as UPSC, State PSC, and university-level Political Science courses. The concept represents a shift from the traditional understanding of security, which focuses on the protection of the state, to a broader understanding that emphasizes the protection of individuals and communities. In the South Asian context, this shift is particularly significant because the region faces multiple interconnected challenges, including poverty, terrorism, environmental degradation, political instability, and economic inequality.

In NCERT Political Science, security is discussed in two broad categories: traditional security and non-traditional security. Traditional security concerns military threats, territorial disputes, and external aggression. In South Asia, examples include India-Pakistan conflicts, border disputes, and nuclear deterrence. Non-traditional security, on the other hand, focuses on issues such as poverty, health, environmental problems, migration, and human rights. Human security falls under this non-traditional category and emphasizes the protection of individuals from both violent and non-violent threats.

The concept of human security was formally introduced in the 1994 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report. It highlighted that true security means freedom from fear and freedom from want. According to the report, human security includes seven dimensions: economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security. These dimensions provide a useful framework for analyzing the situation in South Asia.

Economic security refers to access to stable income and employment opportunities. South Asia has experienced economic growth, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. However, economic inequality remains high. A large proportion of the population works in the informal sector without job security or social protection. Poverty remains a serious issue, especially in rural areas and conflict-affected regions. Pakistan has faced repeated economic crises and inflation, while Sri Lanka experienced a severe financial collapse in recent years. Afghanistan continues to struggle with economic instability. Economic insecurity makes people vulnerable to exploitation and social unrest, thereby affecting overall stability.

Food security is another critical issue in South Asia. The region is agriculturally rich and produces significant quantities of rice and wheat. However, food insecurity persists due to unequal distribution, poverty, and climate-related disruptions. Malnutrition and undernutrition remain major concerns, particularly among children and women. Climate change has intensified floods, droughts, and irregular monsoon patterns, affecting agricultural productivity. Public distribution systems exist in countries like India to provide subsidized food, but challenges in implementation limit effectiveness. Ensuring food security is essential for reducing poverty and improving human development indicators.

Health security gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems across South Asia. Public health infrastructure remains unevenly distributed, with rural areas often lacking adequate facilities and trained personnel. Air pollution in major cities such as Delhi and Lahore contributes to respiratory diseases. Communicable diseases like dengue and tuberculosis continue to pose threats. Limited public health expenditure restricts access to quality healthcare. Health insecurity not only affects individuals but also reduces economic productivity and increases government expenditure on emergency response.

Environmental security is one of the most pressing concerns in South Asia. The region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas in Bangladesh and the Maldives. Himalayan glacier melt affects river systems such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. Pakistan has experienced devastating floods, while India faces extreme heatwaves and droughts. Environmental degradation, including deforestation and water pollution, further intensifies vulnerabilities. Climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” worsening poverty and displacement. Addressing environmental security requires both national policies and regional cooperation.

Personal security involves protection from violence, terrorism, and crime. South Asia has experienced various forms of conflict, including cross-border terrorism, insurgencies, and communal violence. The India-Pakistan rivalry has resulted in high military spending. Afghanistan has faced prolonged conflict, leading to displacement and humanitarian crises. Terrorism undermines economic development and social cohesion. Ensuring personal security requires effective law enforcement, counter-terrorism strategies, and community engagement.

Community security focuses on protecting cultural identity and social harmony. South Asia is characterized by immense diversity in religion, language, and ethnicity. While diversity is a strength, it can also lead to tensions if not managed inclusively. Minority rights and communal harmony are essential components of human security. Migration and displacement, including refugee movements, also affect community security. Bangladesh hosts Rohingya refugees, creating social and economic pressures.

Political security refers to the protection of human rights, democratic institutions, and civil liberties. South Asia has varied political systems. India is known as the world’s largest democracy, though it faces challenges related to polarization and social tensions. Pakistan has experienced cycles of civilian and military rule. Bangladesh has made development progress but faces debates over political competition. Afghanistan’s governance structure remains fragile. Political instability undermines development and increases insecurity.

NCERT also emphasizes the importance of cooperation in addressing non-traditional security threats. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established to promote regional cooperation. However, political tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, have limited its effectiveness. Issues such as climate change, pandemics, water sharing, and migration require collective action. River water agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty show that cooperation is possible despite political differences.

Water security is closely linked to environmental and food security. South Asia’s major rivers are transboundary, meaning they flow across national borders. Effective water management is essential for agriculture, drinking water, and energy production. Groundwater depletion in India and Pakistan has become alarming. Climate change increases variability in rainfall, making water management more complex.

Gender security is another important aspect. Women in South Asia often face discrimination, limited access to education, and gender-based violence. However, progress has been made in female education and workforce participation in some countries. Empowering women improves overall human development outcomes. Gender equality is therefore central to human security.

Youth unemployment presents both opportunity and challenge. South Asia has a young population, which can be a demographic dividend if provided with education and employment opportunities. However, lack of job creation can lead to frustration and social unrest. Skill development and entrepreneurship programs are essential for harnessing youth potential.

Migration and displacement are rising due to economic hardship, climate disasters, and conflict. Urban areas face pressure from rural migrants seeking better opportunities. Refugee flows create humanitarian and diplomatic challenges. Migration affects social cohesion and resource distribution.

For exam writing, it is important to structure answers clearly. Begin with an introduction explaining the concept of human security. Define traditional and non-traditional security as discussed in NCERT. Explain the seven dimensions of human security. Provide examples from South Asia under each dimension. Discuss regional cooperation and challenges. Conclude with a balanced perspective and suggest a way forward.

The way forward includes strengthening healthcare systems, investing in education, promoting inclusive economic growth, enhancing disaster management, ensuring gender equality, and revitalizing regional cooperation. Climate adaptation strategies and sustainable development policies are essential for long-term resilience.

In conclusion, human security in South Asia is a comprehensive framework that addresses the multidimensional challenges faced by individuals and communities. While traditional security concerns such as border disputes remain relevant, non-traditional threats like poverty, climate change, health crises, and political instability have a more direct impact on daily life. NCERT Political Science highlights the need to broaden our understanding of security beyond military threats. For students, mastering this topic requires understanding both theoretical concepts and real-world examples. Human security ultimately emphasizes that true national strength lies in the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of people.