The government should immediately speed up work on the proposed National Information Grid (Natgrid) – a networked intelligence database being set up for investigating and intelligence agencies to provide real time information on terrorists, industry body the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said recently.
Even the concept of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), a nodal agency for all counter-terror efforts which should have been operational by late 2010, is still being discussed at various forums, said The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
The NCTC conceived in May 2008 is being planned as a central monitoring agency – one that would be ultimately responsible in trolling for clues, professionally piecing together information and acting on it, foiling potential plots.
Public-private partnerships
“To protect India’s national sovereignty and security, there has to be an inclusive effort and hand-holding approach of public and private stakeholders,” said Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat. “It is not merely a function of the state. The private industry is fully geared to supplement government initiatives.”
There is need to create a national database, beef up intelligence gathering networks, ramp up staff at intelligence agencies, introduce police reforms to empower beat constables, absorb meritorious and retired intelligence officials in the system, and tighten border maritime security, he said.
Security is a crucial driver for economic growth and national development. The Indian industry is beginning to take note of the potential growth offered by the evolving security framework, said Rawat.
India HLS market to expand
According to a recent Assocham study, the homeland security market is expected to expand from Rs 36,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore by 2014 and Rs 74,000 crore by 2018.
The government and industry should collaborate to upgrade and modernise security systems and communication networks as the homeland security is shaped by internal, regional and global factors. India’s porous border which needs fencing and the largely-unmanned 7,516 km coastline pose new challenges, according to many experts.
“A combination of internal disturbances presents unprecedented challenges of an all-embracing security framework,” said Rawat adding there is a plethora of state security agencies at present with minimal ability to coordinate while dealing with these threats in an effective manner.
The need of a common platform for information collection, storage, analysis and dissemination was felt to achieve actionable intelligence related to movement of persons, money and information. To address these needs, initiatives like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) are being put together to electronically link 14,000 police stations and 6,000 higher police offices in all 35 states and union territories.
“As the government plans to deal with two-fold threats of terrorism and insurgency, it is important to understand the role of private sector to ensure national security and consolidate governance,” said Rawat.
