National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 3: Security- Challenges to internal security through communication networks; Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges; Basics of cyber security.

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National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)- Context

• Recently, officials informed that the union government is soon expected to launch the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had given approval to the NATGRID project back in 2010 but its work slowed down after 2012.

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National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)- Key Points

• Background of NATGRID: It was conceptualized after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008), as a seamless and secure database for information on terrorists, economic crimes, and similar incidents.
  • Lack of quick information to intelligence and enforcement agencies was considered one of the major hurdles in detecting U.S. terror suspect David Headley’s movement across the country during his multiple visits between 2006 and 2009.
• Mandate of NATGRID: It is an electronic database that aims to provide a “cutting-edge technology to enhance India’s counter-terror capabilities”.
• Key Objective of NATGRID: to track suspects and prevent terrorist attacks with real-time data and access to classified information like immigration, banking, individual taxpayers, air and train travel.
• Integration of database:
  • In the first phase of the plan, 10 user agencies and 21 service providers will be connected with the NATGRID, while in later phases, about 950 additional organizations will be brought on board.
  • In the following years, more than 1,000 organizations will be further integrated into the NATGRID.
  • These data sources include records related to immigration entry and exit, banking and financial transactions and telecommunications.
• Access to NATGRID Database: Prominent federal agencies of the country have been authorized to access the NATGRID database. They are-
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation,
  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence,
  • The Enforcement Directorate,
  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs,
  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (for the Income Tax Department),
  • The Cabinet Secretariat,
  • The Intelligence Bureau,
  • The Directorate General of GST Intelligence,
  • The Narcotics Control Bureau,
  • The Financial Intelligence Unit, and
  • The National Investigation Agency

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