Context:
In a major development with implications for internal security, governance, and data management, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked with the National Population Register (NPR), which holds demographic details of around 119 crore residents. The move is aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, counter-terror operations, and criminal investigations, while also raising important questions related to data usage and future population databases.
Key Highlights:
NATGRID–NPR Integration
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NATGRID, a secure intelligence-sharing platform, is now linked to the NPR database.
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Provides authorised agencies access to family-wise and individual-level resident data.
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Enables faster identification and profiling of persons of interest during investigations.
Institutional Push and Usage
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The Union Home Ministry is encouraging:
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State police forces
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Central investigating agencies
to actively use NATGRID.
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NATGRID currently handles around 45,000 intelligence requests per month.
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The platform became fully operational last year.
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Conceptualised after the 2009 Mumbai terror attacks to address intelligence silos.
Organised Crime Network Database
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A dedicated Organised Crime Network Database is being developed on NATGRID.
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Aims to improve real-time data sharing between:
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National Investigation Agency (NIA)
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State Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS)
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Strengthens coordination in tackling terrorism and organised crime.
Role of ‘Gandiva’ Tool
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Gandiva is an upgraded NATGRID analytical tool.
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Capabilities include:
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Multi-source data integration
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Facial recognition
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Entity resolution (linking multiple identities to a single individual)
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Enhances efficiency in tracking suspects across databases.
NPR, NRC, and Census Linkages
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NPR data was:
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First collected in 2010 along with Census 2011.
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Updated in 2015.
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NPR is often viewed as a foundation for a future National Register of Citizens (NRC).
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The Union Cabinet approved Census 2027 with an allocation of ₹11,718 crore.
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No separate budget has been earmarked for updating the NPR, creating uncertainty over its future role.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Expansion of intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
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Key Institutions:
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NATGRID
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NPR
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NIA and State ATS
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Tools & Technology:
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Gandiva – facial recognition and entity resolution.
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Government Decisions:
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Census 2027 approval
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Benefits:
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Faster investigations
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Improved counter-terror coordination
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Challenges:
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Data privacy concerns
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Ambiguity over NPR–NRC linkage
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Impact:
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Strengthened internal security architecture
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Definitions & Provisions:
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NATGRID: Secure intelligence platform enabling real-time access to multiple databases for law enforcement.
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NPR: Register of residents containing demographic and family details.
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NRC: Proposed register to identify Indian citizens.
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Governance and Polity Dimensions:
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Balancing national security needs with privacy and civil liberties.
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Need for legal clarity on data access, storage, and usage.
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Internal Security Aspects:
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Importance of integrated intelligence systems post-26/11.
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Use of technology in counter-terrorism and crime prevention.
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Way Forward:
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Enact a robust data protection framework.
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Ensure clear oversight and accountability mechanisms.
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Define the future roadmap for NPR and Census-linked databases.
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Promote transparency to build public trust.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS Paper III – Internal Security: Intelligence reforms, counter-terrorism infrastructure.
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GS Paper II – Polity & Governance: Population registers, privacy, state powers.
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Prelims: NATGRID, NPR, NRC, Gandiva tool, Census 2027.