NATGRID: 45,000 Monthly Requests, Role and Functions
Why in the news
Central agencies and State police are relying heavily on NATGRID, with roughly 45,000 requests every month.
Key facts
- Real-time integrated intelligence platform under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Conceived 2009 after 26/11; operational 2023.
Functions
- Pools many databases: social media activity, immigration logs, airline PNRs, telecom, banking, driving licence and Aadhaar records.
- Usable by officers of SP rank and below; confidentiality is protected.
- Supports predictive intelligence, tracking suspicious behaviour and crime patterns, even without an FIR.
- Helps State police cooperate with IB, RAW, NIA, ED, FIU, DRI and NCB.
Exam angle
- Parent ministry: MHA; trigger: 26/11 Mumbai attacks.