NATGRID - National Intelligence Grid
Table of Content
What is NATGRID?
NATGRID is an integrated intelligence grid that collects and compiles databases from various Indian government agencies into a centralized database, which is readily accessible to Intelligence Agencies.
Location: Bengaluru
Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
History of NATGRID
- P. Chidambaram, the Home Minister at the time, suggested the NATGRID project following the 2008 Mumbai attack.
| EVENTS | YEAR |
|---|---|
| Establishment of NATGRID | 2009 |
| Appointment of First CEO | 2009 |
| Completion of Physical Infrastructure of NATGRID | 2020 |
| inaugration (Bangalore Campus) | 2022 |
- Under this Project, 11 Agencies have access to the Databases initially and it will be increased in later phases
Need for NATGRID
- The 2008 Mumbai attack exposed the weakness in the Indian Intelligence Gathering
- Lack of a Centralized database for Intelligence purposes
- Lack of coordination among the central and state agencies
Purpose of NATGRID
- To Counter Terrorism
- To Centralize the Database for Intelligence Purposes
- To enable security agencies to obtain relevant information
Functions
- Collection of Databases from various agencies of the Indian Government to form a Centralized Database
- Share the Database with different agencies of the Indian Government
- Gather information from Government Databases such as
| INFORMATION |
|---|
| Tax and Bank Account Details |
| Credit/Debit Card Details |
| Visa Records |
| Immigration Records |
| Itineraries of Rail and Air travel |
| CCTNS FIR data |
- It has access to the FIR Data of 14,000 Police stations under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems
- The Database can be accessed by Agencies such as
| CENTRAL AGENCIES |
|---|
| Central Bureau of Investigation |
| Directorate of Revenue Intelligence |
| Enforcement Directorate |
| Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs |
| Central Board of Direct Taxes |
| Cabinent Secretariat |
| Intelligence Bureau |
| Directorate General of GST Intelligence |
| Narcotics Control Bureau |
| Financial Investigation Unit |
| National Investigation Agency |
Importance
- NATGRID forms a secure place for a Centralised database
- Only authorized persons can access the Database on a case-to-case basis
- Real-time tipp off and Predictable Intelligence for Counter-terrorism
- Help to speed up the Counter-terrorism Operations
Criticism
- Potential Violation of Privacy e.g., Leakage of Personal information
- Misuse of Database by External Forces
- Bureaucratic Red Tape
- No state agencies in the 10 user agents mentioned in the First Phase
- Central agencies are reluctant to share information with state agencies
- Risk of Spying
Future Prospects
| PHASE | PERMISSION TO ACCESS |
|---|---|
| 1st Phase | 10 user agents and 21 service provider |
| Later Phases | 1000 more Organisations |
Related Topics
FAQS
What is the use of NATGRID?
NATGRID is a federal agency that collects a database of different agencies of the Indian Government to form a Comprehensive pattern of Intelligence for Counter Terrorism measures
Which state has launched the National Intelligence Grid?
Minister of Home Affairs SHRI. Amit Shah launched NATGRID in Karnataka, Bangalore
What are the challenges of NATGRID?
The Challenges of NATGRID include Potential violation of Privacy, Misuse of Data, Risk of Spies, Collections of Databases and Coordination in regional languages, Bureaucratic Red Tapism
What is the full form of NATGRID?
The Full form NATGRID is National Intelligence Grid
Who is the First CEO of NATGRID?
P. Raghu Raman is the first CEO OF NATGRID
Which Ministry does NATGRID come under?
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
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