NATGRID to be operational by Jan 2013

Come January 2013, National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) will become operational and facilitate robust information sharing among law enforcement agencies to combat terror threat at home and abroad.

With the approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the first and second phases of the NATGRID, the Home Ministry has set the boll rolling for setting up of the Rs 1,200 crore ambitious project.

"Now, the process of setting up the structure will begin.

Initially we will go for purchasing server and and other equipments and their installations. The NATGRID will be operationalised in 18 months," a Home Ministry official said.

The NATGRID will have access to about 21 categories of database like railway and air travel, income tax, bank account details, credit card transactions, visa and immigration records.

The idea was floated after the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Many feel that had NATGRID existed, Lashkar-e- Taiba operative David Headley would not have a free run prior and after the 26/11 strike. The entire project will be completed in three years.

Officials also allayed fear that the NATGRID will get personal information like bank accounts details of any individual, saying only name, address of those who are suspect will be looked into.

"We will not touch anyone who is not a suspect. Besides, only name, addresses and activities of a suspect will be looked into. So, innocent should have no fear that government will intrude their personal life," an official said.