In recent news, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This agreement will permit NATGRID to access the centralised online database consisting of First Information Reports (FIR) and data on stolen vehicles. The goal behind this course of action is for NATGRID to transform into a unified destination for security and intelligence agencies, which is projected to be operational by 31st December 2020.
Key Points and Insights
This MoU will allow NATGRID to tap into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database. This system connects around 14,000 police stations nationwide. As per state law, all police are required to file First Information Reports (FIR) in the CCTNS. This MoU is a significant step towards enabling NATGRID to collect essential suspect data from the FIRs such as their parent’s name, contact number, and more.
Potential Issues and Concerns
While this platform can aid in tackling crime, it also raises several concerns. These include challenges to the federal system of the constitution, difficulties with providing information to multiple agencies, privacy issues and the potential expenditure required for its implementation.
National Intelligence Grid: An Overview
NATGRID, conceived as a counter-terrorism measure following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It offers an integrated intelligence grid that links databases from core security agencies of the Indian Government. In the future, there are plans to introduce an Entity Extraction, Visualization, and Analytics (EVA) system.
The Significance of NATGRID
The NATGRID will operate as a secure, centralized database, streaming sensitive information from various data sources including banks, credit card companies, visa, immigration and train and air travel details, and various intelligence agencies. Its primary role will be as a link between intelligence and investigation agencies, providing a platform for at least 10 central agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) to congregate and access data on a secured platform.
Technology-Intensive Solutions
The solutions offered by the NATGRID will be technology-intensive, such as the use of Big Data and analytics, and they would involve multiple stakeholders.
About the National Crime Records Bureau
Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NCRB functions as a repository of information on crime and criminals. This aids investigators in linking crimes to the perpetrators. It publishes the annual report “Crime in India”, which serves as a statistical tool for understanding the law and order situation across the country. The NCRB developed CCTNS in 2009 with the aim of creating a comprehensive, integrated system for effective policing at all levels through the principles of e-Governance. It digitises data related to FIR registration, investigation, and charge sheets in all police stations, leading to the development of a national database of crimes and criminals. The headquarters of NCRB is in New Delhi.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024