"India's Ministry of Home Affairs integrates district-level Intelligence Bureau officers into counter-terrorism grid meetings for real-time intel."
Keywords - Intelligence Bureau, counter-terrorism grid, real-time intelligence, Ministry of Home Affairs, district-level officers.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing India's national security apparatus, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to involve its district-level officers in meetings of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), a critical component of the nation's counter-terrorism strategy. This development seeks to bolster the intelligence-sharing mechanism and facilitate real-time updates.
Traditionally, MAC meetings were attended by state-level officers responsible for sharing intelligence related to their respective regions. However, in the wake of events like the ethnic clashes in Manipur, the government decided to include district-level officers with the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in these meetings.
An official from the intelligence establishment explained that this strategy aims to bridge the gap in intelligence sharing, particularly in large states, where district-level officers often faced challenges attending such meetings due to travel distances. The district-level officers will now have direct interactions with headquarters officials and those involved in operations within their respective areas.
This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to strengthening national security, as evident in the increased budget allocation. The National Intelligence Grid saw its budget rise from Rs 87.77 crore to Rs 200.52 crore, while the Intelligence Bureau received Rs 3,418 crore, up from Rs 3,168 crore in the previous year.
To ensure effective participation, officers in states have been directed to conduct site surveys for the installation of specific software, enabling their attendance in virtual meetings. This proactive approach reflects the government's dedication to improving coordination and information sharing among counter-terrorism and anti-drug agencies.
Last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of robust information sharing and enhanced liaison between state-level counter-terrorism and anti-drug agencies. He further stressed the need for heightened coastal security vigilance, even in the smallest and most remote ports, underscoring the nation's commitment to safeguarding its borders.
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