In the past two years, over 9,000 Indians aiming to enrol in the US Global Entry Program have had their backgrounds scrutinised by Indian security agencies. This is conducted through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a tool used for comprehensive antecedent verification.
Global Entry: A Swift Passage to the US
A program under the jurisdiction of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Global Entry initiates an expedited clearance for travellers who are considered low-risk as they arrive in United States. Commencing as a pilot project in 2008, India joined Global Entry in 2017. The program requires a thorough background check for a person to be pre-approved.
The process starts with a request being made by US authorities to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. The MEA then forwards this request to the Ministry of Home Affairs which connects with other ministries, state police, and various databases to perform a holistic background check. It’s worth noting that CBP will not proceed with an application if an applicant has a history of criminal offence, outstanding warrants or violations related to customs, immigration or agriculture laws in any country.
A Centralized Scheme: The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)
CCTNS, a scheme funded centrally, was established by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). As a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was officially approved in 2009. The system is extremely comprehensive and secure, with a reach that extends to over 97% of the police stations across India.
Objectives of CCTNS
The primary aim of CCTNS is to make police functioning more citizen-friendly and transparent by digitizing the operations within police stations. It also enhances the delivery of citizen-centric services via effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Moreover, it equips the Investigating Officers of the Civil Police with advanced tools, technology, and relevant information to facilitate more efficient crime investigation and detection of criminals. The integration of CCTNS into the security agencies’ verification process not only aids in tracking the criminal history of the applicants but also ensures a smoother and more credible enrolment process for the Global Entry Program.
The crucial role played by the Indian security agencies and their diligent utilization of resources such as the CCTNS showcase the commitment towards ensuring security while promoting ease of international travel for Indian citizens.
