Steps taken to streamline intelligence network

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) A Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) have been created in the Intelligence Bureau at Delhi, supported by Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centres (SMACs) at almost all State capitals, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal, in a written reply, said the objective was to optimise intelligence flow and coordination between multifarious agencies at the Centre and in the States in the field of counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence.

Steps have also been taken to strengthen counter-intelligence apparatus in the Intelligence Bureau, Mr Jaiswal said.

Further, the States have been asked to revamp the Special Branches by way of filling up of vacancies, posting of competent officers in Special Branches, mandatory tenure preferably of five years for personnel in Special Branches and linkage of this requirement with promotion.

System of incentives/disincentives, dedicated staff for intelligence work right up to the police station level and re-activating beat constable system, making available modern equipment and gadgets for interception, special training for personnel posted in Special Branches and earmarking of up to five per cent of their annual allocations under the Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces for strengthening of Special Branches had also been suggested.

UNI