NATGRID :

The National Intelligence Grid : NATGRID is the integrated intelligence grid developed by CDAC-Pune connecting databases of core security agencies of the Government of India. It becomes operational on August 15, 2014 when it shall be dedicated to the nation by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi.

NB: NATGRID official website shall only be operational from 15-August-2014

NATGRID ORGANISATION :

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been set up as an attached office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi with the approval of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the setting up of NATGRID on 8.4.2010. As mandated by this CCS, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on NATGRID was prepared. The CCS accorded its "in principle" approval to this DPR in its meeting held on 6.6.2011. As per the DPR and CCS approval thereon, the Foundation and Horizon 1 of NATGRID should be set up in 24 months

On 14.06.2012, CCS approved Rs. 1002.97 Crore for implementation of Foundation and Horizon I and some elements of Horizon II of the project. In addition, on 28.11.2013, CCS approved Rs.346.05 Crore for physical infrastructure. CCS, on 13.03.2014, approved the extension of NATGRID project for a period of two years, till 30 June, 2016.

NATGRID FUNCTION :

NATGRID has been setup, as an enabling organisation, with a mandate to automate the existing manual processes for collation of intelligence information by connecting over 21 data sources like telecommunication, banking, airlines etc.

NATGRID as an IT tool will link various databases between User (Intelligence and investigative agencies) and Provider agencies (such as telecom companies) to enhance and augment the country's counter-terrorism capability.

NATGRID MANAGEMENT

NATGRID is managed by the CEO. The CEO, NATGRID was appointed on contract basis w.e.f. 01-12-2009 with the approval of ACC. Thereafter, his contract was extended by 36 months w.e.f. 01-06-2011. The extension of contract was also approved by ACC. The past incumbent was a retired Military Officer. His last assignment was as CEO of Mahindra Defence Land Systems. As such the past incumbent had a defence background and he had not served in a Government intelligence agency.

CEO's compensation package :

• The monthly consolidated remuneration is Rs. 10/- lakhs (fixed). Besides, CEO is entitled to the following facilities/package:
• A car/hired car as per the highest entitlement for officers in Government of India.
• Travel, accommodation and TA/DA as per the highest entitled class for officers in Govt of India.
• Medical insurance policy for self and family whose annual premium is capped at Rs. 15000/-
• Entitled to leave as per CCS (leave) Rules.
• Entitled to deliver lectures not pertaining to his official domain and receive remuneration for the same. With the prior approval of the competent authority (Union Home Secretary), he can be a member of Corporate Boards which are not in conflict with his official position.
• In addition; to deal with functional requirements; CEO, NATGRID is provided with one black berry phone with connectivity charges based on actual (capped at Rs. 8,000/- per month). He will be provided with one laptop with aircard (capped at Rs. 1.25 lakhs) and Rs. 2,000/- per month as internet charges. Both the mobile phones and laptop are to be returned at the end of his tenure.

NATGRID and "Privacy of the citizen" :

NATGRID's security framework has been designed to protect secrecy and privacy of information within the NATGRID system. All extant legal regimes regarding privacy ipso-facto applies to NATGRID. Further, adequate safely measures will be built in into the system in consultation with all concerned to ensured utmost security of informations. The NATGRID system has been designed covering the implementation of template driven investigation process which capture key elements like "why the information is required", "who is asking", "the purpose for which it will used" etc.