Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

NATGRID

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is an integrated IT platform under India's , designed to facilitate sharing among agencies by linking databases containing records on , banking, taxation, and other citizen data for counter-terrorism and purposes. Established in 2011 following the 2008 terror attacks as part of broader reforms, NATGRID connects over 20 categories of data sources to enable agencies to query and analyze information swiftly, with access granted to 11 bodies and state police forces. Initially budgeted at approximately ₹2,800 crore, the system has evolved to incorporate advanced features like facial recognition databases covering over 1.05 billion records, representing about 80% of India's population, to bolster surveillance capabilities. NATGRID's core function is to centralize fragmented silos, allowing authorized users to track suspects through patterns in financial transactions, travel history, and without warrantless broad access, though implementation has faced delays due to technical and infrastructural challenges. Notable achievements include its role in providing state-of-the-art tools for and rapid response, as highlighted in government assessments, which position it as a foundational element for modernizing India's apparatus amid rising threats from and . However, the project has sparked significant controversies over erosion and potential government overreach, with critics arguing that aggregating vast — including tracking—risks misuse absent robust oversight, echoing global debates on systems while official sources emphasize encrypted, query-based access limited to vetted personnel. These tensions underscore NATGRID's dual nature as both a strategic enabler of and a for balancing against individual rights in a data-driven era.

Background and Establishment

Historical Context and Rationale

The November 26-29, 2008, terrorist attacks, carried out by militants, resulted in 166 deaths and exposed critical failures in India's intelligence-sharing mechanisms, including the inability to track suspects like who conducted from 2006 to 2009. These lapses, stemming from fragmented databases across agencies, underscored the need for a centralized system to enable real-time collation and analysis of intelligence for preemptive action against terror threats. In response, then-Home Minister conceptualized the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) in 2009 as part of a comprehensive revamp of India's internal security architecture. The initiative aimed to integrate disparate data sources—initially from 21 categories across 11 organizations, such as passports, immigration records, bank accounts, and telecom details—into a single platform accessible to core security agencies like the (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and (ED). Allocated a budget of approximately ₹2,800 crore, NATGRID was formally approved by the in June 2011 and established as an attached office of the on December 1, 2010, to facilitate seamless information exchange and enhance counter-terrorism capabilities. The rationale centered on causal deficiencies in pre-2008 intelligence operations, where siloed data hindered and suspect tracking, as evidenced by the attacks' success despite prior warnings. By leveraging for integration, NATGRID sought to empower with actionable insights to disrupt plots, monitor high-risk individuals, and mitigate internal security risks without relying on manual inter-agency coordination. This approach prioritized empirical improvements in response times and threat detection over existing fragmented systems, drawing from the post-attack consensus on the urgency of unified intelligence frameworks.

Legislative and Policy Foundations

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) originated from policy recommendations following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which exposed gaps in real-time intelligence sharing among agencies. In 2009, the proposed a restructuring of security architecture, including NATGRID as a centralized platform to link disparate databases for counter-terrorism purposes. This initiative built on executive directives rather than primary legislation, positioning NATGRID as an attached office of the to facilitate data aggregation from over 20 sources, such as banking records, immigration details, and telecom data. The foundational policy clearance came via the , which granted in-principle approval to NATGRID's Detailed Project Report on June 6, 2011, allocating an initial budget of approximately ₹3,400 for development. This approval enabled phased implementation under executive oversight, without enactment through , relying instead on administrative notifications and inter-agency memoranda of understanding for data access protocols. Subsequent guidelines, such as those issued by the in 2017, formalized recruitment and operational consultations but did not introduce statutory frameworks. Absence of dedicated legislation has been a point of contention, with policy analysts arguing it limits parliamentary scrutiny over privacy safeguards and query audit mechanisms, contrasting with legislatively backed systems in other nations. Nonetheless, NATGRID's policy rationale emphasizes causal linkages between siloed data and delayed threat responses, prioritizing empirical enhancements in investigative timelines—such as reducing suspect tracing from days to minutes—over broader data protection statutes like the Personal Data Protection Bill. Operational policies mandate role-based access for 11 user agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and Central Bureau of Investigation, with non-access for state police without central clearance.

Organizational Framework

Governance and Administration

NATGRID functions as an attached office under the (MHA), , with its establishment approved by the in 2009 and formal operationalization commencing in 2010. Its administrative headquarters are located at the 1st Floor, Shivaji Stadium Annexe, Shaheed Marg, . The entity maintains a of approximately 70 personnel, comprising individuals from government agencies and private sectors, to manage technical and operational requirements. Oversight is provided through a multi-tiered institutional designed to balance with , including an Steering Council for strategic direction, an Operations Committee for day-to-day execution, and an Independent Audit mechanism for compliance and review. This structure ensures alignment with national security objectives while incorporating safeguards against misuse, as mandated by parliamentary deliberations. Day-to-day administration is led by a (CEO), with Hirdesh Kumar, a 1999-batch (IAS) officer from the AGMUT cadre, appointed to the role on August 25, 2025. The CEO reports to the MHA and oversees , access protocols, and inter-agency coordination, with authority to engage contractual technical expertise as needed for maintenance and expansion. Procurement and human resource functions, such as hiring for specialized roles, are handled via competitive processes under MHA guidelines, often involving external consultancies for efficiency.

Key Stakeholders and Partnerships

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) operates as an attached office under the direct oversight of India's (MHA), which serves as the primary stakeholder responsible for its policy direction, funding, and integration with frameworks. The MHA ensures NATGRID's alignment with counter-terrorism objectives by facilitating data-sharing protocols and authorizing access for enforcement agencies. Access to NATGRID's database is granted to 11 designated central agencies, enabling real-time intelligence queries for purposes, with services extended to police forces in all states and union territories. These central agencies include the (R&AW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), (NIA), (CBI), (ED), (DRI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and (NCB), among others focused on economic offenses and border security. State police departments leverage the platform for localized threat assessment, as advised by the MHA in directives issued as of July 2025 to enhance crime control through database utilization. In terms of technical partnerships, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Pune has been engaged as the primary technology partner for solution design, implementation, and high-performance computing infrastructure since at least 2022, supporting NATGRID's self-reliant development under government directives. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai serves as the plan management consultant, providing expertise in project oversight and analytics integration to align with national priorities for indigenous technology adoption. Data provision partnerships involve over 20 ministries and sectors, including banking, telecommunications, immigration, railways, and airlines, which supply real-time feeds to NATGRID's core database without direct operational control.

Technical and Operational Features

Data Integration and Sources

NATGRID functions as a centralized intelligence-sharing platform that aggregates and standardizes from disparate standalone databases across ministries, departments, and select entities, enabling seamless querying without direct inter-agency . The system employs advanced , normalization techniques, and unique identifiers such as numbers to link records, converting varied formats into a unified, queryable for and historical . This integration draws from 21 primary providing organizations, focusing on high-volume transactional to facilitate in security threats. Key data sources encompass and records, including entry/exit details; banking and financial transactions, such as account activities, usage, and PAN-linked information; metadata, including call records and subscriber details; and registration databases. Additional feeds include filings, travel histories, and crime records from entities like the , ensuring comprehensive coverage of citizen mobility, financial behaviors, and communication patterns. Private sector contributions, such as select banking data, supplement government holdings, though access is mediated through secure to maintain source autonomy. As of 2024, NATGRID's repository includes over 1.05 billion facial recognition entries, integrated from linked and biometric systems covering approximately 80% of India's , enhancing cross-verification capabilities. Integration protocols prioritize non-redundant data flows, with de-duplication algorithms to mitigate overlaps from shared jurisdictional records, though challenges persist in harmonizing legacy systems from state-level agencies. Authorized user agencies query this amalgamated dataset via role-based permissions, without altering or owning the underlying sources.

Access Mechanisms and Protocols

Access to NATGRID is restricted to designated user agencies, comprising 11 central intelligence and law enforcement entities, including the Intelligence Bureau, , , and , with provisions for state and police forces in subsequent phases. These agencies gain entry through secure, query-based interfaces that enable real-time retrieval of targeted data from integrated sources, rather than permitting bulk downloads or unrestricted browsing to minimize exposure risks. Mechanisms employ (RBAC), where permissions are assigned according to an individual's role within the , ensuring granular restrictions on data types and query scopes. is mandated for login, coupled with encrypted channels for data transmission and firewall-enforced ingress/egress controls to safeguard against unauthorized interception. Case-by-case approval processes further govern queries, linking access to specific investigations or threats. Protocols include comprehensive logging of all access attempts and data retrievals, forming audit trails reviewed by an independent chaired by the Deputy National Security Advisor to verify and detect anomalies. High-security measures, operational since NATGRID's in December 2013, incorporate continuous monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and periodic system upgrades to counter evolving cyber threats. These elements collectively enforce accountability, with violations subject to legal repercussions under India's data protection and intelligence-sharing frameworks.

Implementation and Evolution

Development Phases and Milestones

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) project was conceived in the aftermath of the November 2008 terror attacks, which highlighted deficiencies in real-time intelligence sharing among agencies, leading to its formal initiation in 2009 with an initial budget allocation of ₹2,800 under the government. It was established as an attached office under the effective December 1, 2010, marking the start of organizational setup. Implementation proceeded in four phases, focusing on phased of from over 20 ministries and agencies, with the first two phases operationalized by 2014 to enable basic data connectivity for select users. In June 2011, project timelines projected the system's first operational results—real-time query responses across linked —within 18 months, though subsequent delays arose due to technical and inter-agency coordination challenges. By September 2019, the first phase targeted connectivity for 10 user agencies with 21 service providers, aiming for broader expansion to approximately 950 organizations in later stages, with full operational readiness planned for early . The confirmed in February 2020 that physical infrastructure, including secure servers and encrypted facilities, would be completed by March 31, 2020, followed by IT solution activation by December 31, . Despite these milestones, rollout faced repeated postponements, with reports in 2018 noting a decade-long lag since inception and projections shifting to 2018 before further extensions. Post-2020 advancements included incremental live deployments for limited queries by 2021 and upgrades such as the integration of over 1.05 billion facial recognition records by April , covering roughly 80% of India's to enhance capabilities. These developments reflect ongoing evolution toward full-spectrum and analysis, though comprehensive operational status across all phases remains tied to phased clearances and privacy safeguards.

Current Operational Status

As of 2025, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been operational since December 31, 2020, functioning as a centralized platform that integrates data from over 21 sources, including telecom records, banking transactions, details, and financial activities, to facilitate intelligence sharing for counter-terrorism and . It employs AI-driven tools for , pattern analysis, and generating alerts on suspicious activities, with access provided to 11 central agencies—such as the , , and —and all state and police forces. The system links approximately 10 user agencies with 21 data providers, secured by AES-256 , air-gapped servers, and blockchain-based audit trails to ensure and controlled access. Under the , NATGRID's usage has expanded significantly since 2019, with real-time data sharing extended to track terror activities, financial crimes, narcotics, and counterfeit currency; however, the Ministry continues to urge to increase queries and proactive engagement, as evidenced by a July 2025 directive from its CEO emphasizing and district-level involvement by superintendents of . Leading states in query volume from January to June 2025 included , , , , and , while others like showed gains in active users submitting at least one monthly query. Despite these advances, independent analyses describe NATGRID as remaining in its early stages, with incomplete modernization and integration across sectors like airlines, railways, hospitals, and , necessitating further investment to achieve full efficacy in threat warning and inter-agency coordination. Fiscal indicators reflect ongoing adjustments, including a 36% reduction in NATGRID's budget allocation in the 2025 Union Budget, amid broader intelligence funding priorities. While operational, the platform's effectiveness depends on sustained state adoption and technological upgrades to overcome silos exposed in past incidents, such as the that prompted its creation.

Security Enhancements and Achievements

Contributions to Counter-Terrorism

NATGRID enhances counter-terrorism efforts by serving as a centralized platform that integrates data from over 21 ministries and departments, including , banking, , and records, enabling authorized intelligence and agencies to conduct queries on suspect profiles. This connectivity addresses pre-existing silos in information sharing, which were highlighted as deficiencies following the , allowing for faster identification of terrorist networks through cross-referenced details such as mobile numbers, financial transactions, and travel histories. The system's query-based access protocols permit agencies like the Intelligence Bureau and to generate leads on potential threats, such as tracking militants' movements or disrupting funding channels, thereby supporting proactive disruption of plots rather than reactive responses. Operationalized in phases since , NATGRID's framework facilitates pattern analysis across disparate datasets, contributing to a more holistic intelligence picture that aids in preempting modules and cross-border infiltrations. By linking non-sensitive data sources initially and expanding to sensitive ones under strict access controls, NATGRID bolsters without relying on interpersonal intelligence exchanges, which had proven unreliable in past incidents; officials have noted its role in deterring attacks through enhanced capabilities. As an attached office under the , it aligns with broader reforms like the Multi-Agency Centre, amplifying inter-agency coordination in countering threats from groups such as and affiliates.

Measurable Impacts and Examples

NATGRID has facilitated the exposure of drug rackets by providing agencies with integrated data from sources such as records, financial transactions, and documents, enabling the identification of suspicious patterns across . In April 2024, the platform was upgraded to incorporate over 1.05 billion facial recognition entries, representing approximately 80% coverage of India's population and supporting 11 central agencies alongside forces in and threat detection. Assam emerged as one of the leading states in NATGRID utilization for operations by mid-2025, with heightened query volumes contributing to proactive crime control measures, though exact or prevention figures remain undisclosed in reports. Maharashtra's integration of NATGRID has been cited as a model for overcoming data silos in , aiding in the timely collation of on potential threats, as evidenced by state-level operational efficiencies reported in analyses. Detailed metrics on foiled plots or arrests directly attributable to NATGRID are typically classified to preserve operational security, limiting public quantification of its counter-terrorism outcomes beyond framework-level enhancements like reduced response times through linked databases spanning 21 sets of records.

Controversies and Challenges

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

NATGRID's aggregation of personal data from over 20 government databases, including those related to banking transactions, telecommunications, immigration records, railway and airline travel, and tax information, has raised apprehensions about the erosion of individual privacy through pervasive surveillance capabilities. Critics contend that this centralization enables the construction of comprehensive "360-degree" profiles on citizens, facilitating real-time tracking and pattern analysis via artificial intelligence, potentially without individualized suspicion or judicial oversight. Such integration, initiated following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, amplifies risks of function creep, where security-focused data collection extends to non-terrorism purposes like political monitoring or welfare denial. Data security vulnerabilities constitute a core concern, with fears of breaches, unauthorized access, and internal misuse in a handling billions of records across interconnected silos lacking unified standards or trails at . Opposition parties and advocates have highlighted the absence of robust mechanisms to prevent leaks of sensitive , such as financial or biometric details, especially given historical instances of government database hacks in . Although the government maintains that military-grade firewalls, intrusion detection, and role-based access controls mitigate these risks, skeptics argue these measures fall short without independent verification or penalties for non-compliance, particularly pre-dating the 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which includes exemptions for activities. Legal scrutiny intensified with a public interest litigation filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) and Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) in the (W.P.(C) 8998/2020), challenging NATGRID—alongside NETRA and CMS—for enabling bulk interception and monitoring that contravenes the affirmed as fundamental in the Supreme Court's 2017 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India ruling. The petition alleges inadequate , tests, and in data handling, with the court repeatedly directing government affidavits, including one in June 2022 denying blanket surveillance permissions. Proceedings remain pending, with a 2023 Supreme Court notice on a transfer plea underscoring unresolved tensions between imperatives and protections.

Political and Legal Debates

The establishment of NATGRID through executive notifications by the , rather than enabling , has sparked debates over the absence of parliamentary oversight in defining access protocols for sensitive from sources like banks and telecoms. Critics argue that legislative scrutiny would allow to deliberate conditions for querying private information, incorporating remedies for breaches and aligning with global standards such as those in the , where database access is statutorily limited. A 2010 Ministry of Personnel approach paper underscored the need for to safeguard amid NATGRID's data convergence, highlighting risks of unchecked executive power. Opposition voices have raised concerns about potential governmental overreach, with former Home Minister P. Chidambaram in 2019 questioning delays in full operationalization under the BJP-led government, attributing them to inaction that heightened vulnerability to terrorism despite NATGRID's intelligence-sharing mandate. Earlier critiques during the UPA era focused on insufficient safeguards against data misuse, including turf wars among agencies reluctant to share inputs, and calls for parliamentary committees to enforce accountability, as echoed in 2016 analyses linking NATGRID revival to broader intelligence oversight reforms. Proponents, including government officials, maintain that executive flexibility enables rapid deployment for national security, with internal protocols restricting access to authorized queries, though without statutory codification these remain subject to administrative revision. Legally, NATGRID faces challenges centered on violations of the under 21 of the , amplified by the 2017 Puttaswamy judgment recognizing as . In 2021, the heard a petition by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) and Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC), contending that NATGRID's aggregation of metadata from diverse databases enables without adequate judicial or legislative checks, potentially infringing informational . The court directed the to file a detailed on interception procedures under the (Sections 69 and 84), amid arguments for an independent oversight committee; the matter remains pending, with a 2023 reference seeking the Centre's response on transferring related PILs against systems including NATGRID. defenses invoke statutory rules for targeted monitoring, asserting NATGRID's role in pattern detection for counter-terrorism while denying blanket access, though petitioners highlight the lack of transparency in query logs and audit mechanisms as exacerbating risks of abuse.

Responses to Criticisms

Government officials have maintained that NATGRID incorporates stringent technical safeguards to address privacy concerns, including end-to-end encryption of data transmissions, multi-layered firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. Access is strictly role-based and limited to 11 designated central agencies and state police forces, with mandatory audit trails logging every query to ensure accountability and deter misuse. Unlike bulk data storage or downloads, the system operates on a query-response model, where results are not retained indefinitely, minimizing retention risks. In response to allegations of potential overreach, authorities emphasize that NATGRID's framework aligns with constitutional protections post the 2017 Supreme Court ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, which permits proportionate state action for . Union Home Minister , in a 2022 address, underscored the dual priority of enhancing intelligence capabilities while safeguarding data , noting ongoing upgrades to security protocols. RTI responses from NATGRID officials affirm that "all possible measures are being taken to prevent misuse," though specifics remain classified to avoid compromising system integrity. Critics' fears of data leakage or political abuse are countered by the absence of verified large-scale breaches since partial operationalization in 2019, alongside integration with broader legal oversight mechanisms like the , and proposed data protection laws. Proponents argue that empirical security needs—evidenced by pre-NATGRID intelligence silos contributing to events like the —necessitate such aggregation, with safeguards empirically reducing risks compared to fragmented systems. Ongoing parliamentary scrutiny and phased rollout allow for iterative refinements based on operational feedback.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Post-2020 Advancements

Following its operational launch on December 31, 2020, under the , NATGRID expanded access to real-time intelligence derived from integrated databases covering , banking transactions, records, vehicle registrations, and the National Population Register. In July 2020, NATGRID signed a with the (NCRB), granting it access to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database linking over 14,000 police stations, including details from first information reports (FIRs) such as suspect names, phone numbers, and stolen vehicle records. This integration enabled queries on criminal histories and facilitated investigations into and narcotics trafficking. By April 2023, NATGRID scaled up its surveillance infrastructure to provide end-to-end encrypted, authorization-controlled data to 11 central agencies—including the (R&AW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), (NIA), (CBI), (NCB), (ED), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and —as well as state and police forces. The system flags suspicious financial activities and aggregates , contributing to the exposure of drug rackets through cross-referenced patterns in travel, financial, and telecom data. In July 2025, NATGRID's urged all forces to intensify database utilization for monitoring terror activities, , counterfeit currency, violations, and narcotics, drawing from over 20 categories such as , airlines, and banks. This initiative highlighted significant usage growth in high-performing states like , which ranked among the top in NATGRID queries during the first half of 2025, enhancing real-time sharing for proactive criminal tracking. These developments marked a shift toward broader inter-agency , though full integration of an additional 950 organizations remains in phased planning.

Expansion Plans and Policy Shifts

Following the change in government in 2014, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) experienced a policy shift toward accelerated implementation and expanded operationalization, contrasting with prior delays attributed to concerns and inter-agency coordination issues under the previous administration. In 2016, Narendra Modi's administration prioritized NATGRID's development by appointing Ashok as CEO and increasing funding allocations to overcome infrastructural bottlenecks. This marked a departure from the project's stagnation since its 2008 conceptualization post-Mumbai attacks, emphasizing integration across 21 core databases including banking, , and records. Expansion efforts intensified with the inauguration of NATGRID's dedicated campus in on May 26, 2022, by Union Home Minister , enabling full-scale operations and the appointment of as CEO to oversee scaling. By April 2023, policy directives extended NATGRID services to 11 central agencies and police forces across all states and Union Territories, facilitating real-time intelligence on individuals for counter-terrorism and . This access expansion aimed to bridge silos in intelligence sharing, with the system now querying over 1 billion facial recognition records—covering approximately 80% of India's population—integrated from sources like and passport databases as of April 2024. Further policy pushes in 2025 encouraged states to ramp up database utilization for criminal tracking, with NATGRID issuing directives on to enhance queries for against , hawala, and narcotics. Proposed expansions include developing a dedicated national database for monitoring transactions, terrorist financing, counterfeit currency, and explosives, signaling a shift toward and broader financial-intelligence linkages. These initiatives reflect a causal emphasis on data to preempt threats, though implementation hinges on ongoing state cooperation and cybersecurity upgrades meeting Indian standards.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) - Ministry of Home Affairs
    Aug 13, 2019 · National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), an attached office of Ministry of Home Affairs, has been created as an IT platform to assist the ...
  2. [2]
    National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) - Features, Functions & More
    NATGRID is a master database system in India for counter-terrorism purposes & connects databases from various security agencies operating under government.
  3. [3]
    (PDF) NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE GRID (NATGRID) - ResearchGate
    Sep 5, 2024 · NATGRID came into existence after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. NATGRID is part of the radical overhaul of the security and intelligence apparatuses ...
  4. [4]
    The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah ... - PIB
    May 3, 2022 · The NATGRID CEO informed that the services of NATGRID solution will be available to 11 central agencies and police of all States and Union ...
  5. [5]
    NATGRID | National Intelligence Grid
    The office of NATGRID is attached to the Ministry of Home Affairs. NATGRID was initiated in 2009 with Rs 2800 crore budget. It is the integrated intelligence ...
  6. [6]
    India upgrades 'NATGRID' intelligence database with 105 facial ...
    Apr 2, 2024 · NATGRID now has intelligence sharing surveillance database containing over 105 crore facial records, covering approximately 80 percent of Indian population.
  7. [7]
    Understanding NATGRID - India's National Intelligence Grid
    Apr 11, 2024 · The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is an information-sharing platform between intelligence agencies and e-governance organisations in India.
  8. [8]
    Centralisation of Intelligence: Is NATGRID the Solution? | India's World
    Jul 3, 2025 · Set up in 2011 as an office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, NATGRID is an intelligence-sharing platform that aims to streamline the work of ...
  9. [9]
    [PDF] CSS | ISSUE BRIEF - India's National Intelligence Grid ... - AWS
    NATGRID allows accumulation of data from every individual in order to administer any anti- national activity, but this aspect is being criticized for breaching ...
  10. [10]
    Watch the Watchmen Series Part 1 : The National Intelligence Grid
    Sep 2, 2020 · NATGRID was conceptualized by then Home Minister P. Chidambaram in 2009, in a bid to revamp India's internal security structure and create a ...
  11. [11]
    [PDF] NATGRID - Ministry of Home Affairs
    Dec 13, 2017 · The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), an attached office of the Ministry of Home. Affairs, invites applications from retired officers from ...
  12. [12]
    Cabinet panel clears national intelligence grid - The Hindu
    Jun 6, 2011 · Cabinet panel clears national intelligence grid. Updated - November 17, 2021 03:38 am IST - New Delhi. Vinay Kumar.
  13. [13]
    Govt gives go-ahead for NATGRID | India News
    Jun 7, 2011 · ... Cabinet Committee on Security on Monday giving the ambitious project "in-principle" approval. Armed with this approval, the home ministry ...
  14. [14]
    NATGRID: Should Parliament have a role?
    ### Key Points on NATGRID Political Debates
  15. [15]
    Unravelling NATGRID • Software Freedom Law Center, India
    Jul 8, 2011 · National Intelligence Grid(NATGRID), established under Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India, aims to consolidate data ...
  16. [16]
    [PDF] National Intelligence Grid - Ministry of Home Affairs
    Sep 13, 2019 · National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is an attached office of Ministry of Home Affairs,. Government of India situated at 1st Floor. Shivaji ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    [PDF] Answer
    An institutional structure for oversight over NATGRID would be created consisting of an Apex Steering Council, an Operations Committee and an Independent Audit ...
  18. [18]
    Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Gyanesh Bharti Appointed Deputy Election ...
    Aug 25, 2025 · Govt Reshuffle: IAS officer Gyanesh Bharti named Deputy Election Commissioner, while Hirdesh Kumar takes charge as CEO of Natgrid under Home
  19. [19]
    NATGRID to scale up surveillance, offer real-time intel on individuals
    Apr 28, 2023 · The eleven agencies include the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau ...
  20. [20]
    NATGRID asks states to use its database to control criminal activities
    Jul 6, 2025 · The NATGRID, which comes under the direct control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), shares with 11 central agencies and all state ...
  21. [21]
    Govt will be developing a national database to monitor hawala ...
    May 3, 2022 · C-DAC Pune has been roped in as Technology Partner and IIT, Bhilai as Plan Management Consultant for the development of NATGRID solution, it ...
  22. [22]
    Giant Leap in Tracking Illicit Activities, NATGRID Now Has Largest ...
    Mar 19, 2024 · C-DAC Pune has been roped in as technology partner, and IIT-Bhilai as Plan Management Consultant for the development of NATGRID solution.
  23. [23]
    NATGRID to have access to database that links around ... - The Hindu
    Jul 12, 2020 · The data will be procured by NATGRID from 21 providing organisations such as the telecom, tax records, bank, immigration etc. Another official ...
  24. [24]
    National intelligence grid — An information sharing grid - IEEE Xplore
    National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) provides an information sharing platform between Intelligence Agencies and E-Governance organizations of India. NATGRID<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    NATGRID: India's Data-Driven Shield Against Terror - Samvada World
    Aug 20, 2025 · NATGRID is India's intelligence system connective tissue, guaranteeing that important information is not left bottled up in silos but instead ...
  26. [26]
    What is the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)? - Rau's IAS
    Jan 18, 2025 · NATGRID is a database compiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs that contains over 24 sets of data to help agencies identify and monitor suspects ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] NATGRID - National Intelligence Grid - Testbook
    immigration admission and exit, banking and financial activities, and telecommunications are some of these data sources. • The Income Tax Department would ...
  28. [28]
    Indian biometric counterterrorism database passes 1B entries
    Mar 20, 2024 · NATGRID has successfully created a comprehensive database consisting of over a billion facial images that can be used for biometric identification.
  29. [29]
    A glance at the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) - Metacept
    Sep 22, 2020 · These major intelligence agencies include the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), ...
  30. [30]
    [PDF] National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) - Ministry of Home Affairs
    Aug 20, 2018 · Network planning and Security purposes. Access controls on both ingress and egress,. Firewall. 9. Quality of. Service (. QoS). Resource ...
  31. [31]
    NATGRID - National Intelligence Grid - Simple Study All
    Sep 26, 2023 · NATGRID is an integrated intelligence grid that collects and compiles databases from various Indian government agencies into a centralized database.
  32. [32]
    NATGRID database - PIB
    Mar 1, 2016 · An Audit Committee headed by Deputy National Security Advisor has been constituted to audit the manner in which the data is accessed and sought ...
  33. [33]
    NATGRID begins operations; high security protocols deployed
    Dec 22, 2013 · NATGRID, the ambitious counter- terror mechanism envisaged post 26/11, has discreetly begun churning out vital information for Indian security.<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    [PDF] NATGRID - Officers Pulse
    NATGRID is being implemented in four different phases, the first two were operationalised in 2014. 2014. Page 4. The proposal has received resistance from the.
  35. [35]
    NATGRID to show its first result in 18 months - Times of India
    Jun 8, 2011 · NATGRID to show its first result in 18 months ... The system is meant for real-time information sharing in electronic form among various law ...
  36. [36]
    National Intelligence Grid to be ready by early 2020 - India Today
    Sep 22, 2019 · In the first phase, 10 users agencies and 21 service providers will be connected with the NATGRID while in the later stages 950 organisations ...Missing: milestones | Show results with:milestones
  37. [37]
    India's NATGRID project to be operational by December 2020, says ...
    Feb 5, 2020 · The much anticipated National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) Project will be completed by the end of March and will go live by 31st December 2020.
  38. [38]
    NATGRID languishes on backburner: 11 years on, India's one-stop ...
    Nov 21, 2019 · By early 2017, the government reported that NATGRID was likely to become operational by September 2018. But continued problems kept the project ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    NATGRID surveillance system which collates data ... - MediaNama
    Sep 13, 2021 · The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is expected to be launched soon, according to a PTI report on September 12.Missing: implementation | Show results with:implementation
  40. [40]
    MHA advises states to use NATGRID database to control crimes ...
    Jul 6, 2025 · The NATGRID, which operates directly under the MHA, shares data with 11 central agencies and all state police forces in real-time on terror activities.
  41. [41]
    Budget 2025: IB gets Rs 3893.35 cr, allocation for NATGRID slashed ...
    Feb 1, 2025 · Budget 2025: IB gets Rs 3,893.35 cr, allocation for NATGRID slashed by 36%. The IB, responsible for intelligence gathering, counter intelligence ...
  42. [42]
    [PDF] The Evolution of India's National Security Architecture - IDSA
    11 The purpose of NATGRID was to connect diverse databases, covering telecommunications, Internet usage, property transactions, financial transfers, ...
  43. [43]
    [PDF] ANNUAL REPORT 2016ͳ17 - Ministry of Home Affairs
    ... NATGRID is conceived to be framework which will leverage Information ... prevented other Fidayeens from entering. Consulate building. 8.89 Formed Police ...
  44. [44]
    Terrorism Update Details - natgrid-to-deter-terror-attacks-says-union ...
    Detail of Terrorism Update. Monday, December 16, 2013. India. Natgrid to deter terror attacks, says Union Minister of Home Affairs, Sushilkumar Shinde.
  45. [45]
    Assam among top performers in NATGRID usage for intelligence ...
    Jul 3, 2025 · The NATGRID platform, designed to strengthen India's counterterrorism and intelligence-gathering mechanisms, allows law enforcement agencies ...
  46. [46]
    “Lack of real-time intelligence has often hindered India's internal ...
    Jul 7, 2025 · Ethics Case Studies ... Include specific examples like Maharashtra's successful NATGRID integration or capacity constraints in northeastern states.
  47. [47]
    The Dangers of NATGRID and the Proliferation of 360-Degree Profile Databases
    ### Summary of Privacy and Data Security Concerns about NATGRID
  48. [48]
    National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)ForumIAS Blog
    NATGRID will become a secure centralised database to stream sensitive information from 21 sets of data sources such as banks, credit cards, visa, immigration ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  49. [49]
    Legal Challenge by CPIL and SFLC.IN to Surveillance Projects CMS ...
    The Writ Petition challenges the operation and execution of the surveillance projects on the following grounds.Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  50. [50]
    No blanket permission to any agency for surveillance under NETRA ...
    Jun 22, 2022 · The government, in its affidavit, defended the need for CMS, NETRA, and NATGRID surveillance systems saying that "grave threats to the country ...Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  51. [51]
    SC asks Centre to file reply on plea seeking transfer of PIL against ...
    Oct 24, 2023 · SC asks Centre to file reply on plea seeking transfer of PIL against NETRA, NATGRID surveillance systems. The Supreme Court has issued notice ...
  52. [52]
    P Chidambaram asks why BJP-led govt 'sitting on' NCTC, NATGRID
    Apr 3, 2019 · "It is the BJP that has made India vulnerable to terrorist attacks by sitting on two vital initiatives for 5 years. Why has NATGRID not been ...
  53. [53]
    7) "The overdue initiative to revive NATGRID must therefore be ...
    Jan 2, 2016 · 7) “The overdue initiative to revive NATGRID must therefore be accompanied by action on the even longer-pending need to have effective oversight ...
  54. [54]
    Petition against NATGRID, CMS: Delhi High Court directs govt to file ...
    Sep 2, 2021 · The court was hearing a petition filed by CPIL and SFLC which challenges the validity of surveillance projects like CMS and NATGRID.Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  55. [55]
    SC seeks Centre's stand on plea for transfer of PIL against NETRA ...
    Oct 24, 2023 · The PIL claims that citizens' right to privacy is being threatened by surveillance programs such as the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS), ...
  56. [56]
    NATGRID asks states to use its database to control criminal activities
    Jul 6, 2025 · The National Intelligence Grid has requested all state police forces to increase their use of its database for crime control and criminal ...
  57. [57]
    NATGRID: India's counter-terrorism platform - Abhipedia
    According to the first phase plan, 10 user agencies and 21 service providers will be connected with the NATGRID, while in later phases, about 950 additional ...
  58. [58]
    Govt will be developing a national database to monitor hawala ...
    The NATGRID CEO informed that the services of NATGRID solution will be available to 11 central agencies and police of all States and Union Territories. It will ...<|separator|>