Multi Agency centre | UPSC | Internal Security notes

This post covers all questions relating to the Indian Intelligence gathering body- Multi Agency Centre.

Multi-Agency Centre

Table of Content 

1. What is a Multi-Agency Centre?
2. History 
3. Need 
4. Purpose 
5. Functions
6. Achievements 
7. Issues
8. Importance 
9. Drawbacks 
10. Way forward
11. FAQs

What is a Multi-Agency Centre?

• Multi-Agency Centre or MAC is a nodal body created by the Intelligence Bureau to share intelligence related to terrorism on a day-to-day basis.

• It shares intelligence with various agencies of the government. e.g. Defense Intelligence Agency, National Investigation Agency, Research and Analysis Wing ( Major Contributors)

• It streamlines the intelligence through video-conferencing to Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centers in various states and union territories.

• It has representatives from other agencies of the government.

Location: Delhi

Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs

Coverage: 28 Organisations share data with MAC and it has 400 sites connected to it.

History 

Founded on: December 2001

Committee: Kargil review committee 

Instituted under: Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs

• Seven years after its creation, an executive order was passed regarding MAC's function, power, and duties.

• But in 2012 National Counter Terrorism Center (organization, functions, powers, and duties) order was passed replacing MAC stating "a review of the current architecture of counterterrorism has revealed several gaps and deficiencies."

• Many states opposed the creation of NCTC as it gives the power to search and arrest under section 43A of the UAPA act to NCTC which will encroach upon the power of the state government.

• Still, NCTC creation is pending.

Need 

• Failure of Intelligence Agencies in Kargil Intrusion (1999).

• Poor role of state police forces in counter-terrorism.

• Lack of Unified Intelligence gathering centre for counter-terrorism.

• Indian Intelligence agencies are still an extension of the colonial legacy.

• Lack of technical professionals in intelligence gathering.

• Poor quality of intelligence (e.g. Intelligence is gathered by police officials lacking in technical expertise).

Purpose 

• Integrate Intelligence related to terrorism and share it with other intelligence agencies of the centre and state.

Functions 

• MAC operates on a 24-hour basis. It collects, shares, and analyzes intelligence with other agencies through video conferencing every day.

• The members must meet regularly and undertake threat assessments.

Achievements 

• MAC was helpful in the arrest of Lakshar-e-Taiba members Zabiuddin Ansari and Fasih Mohammad, who took part in the 26/11 attack.

Issues 

• National Counter Terrorism Center is expected to replace the MAC but because of opposition from the state government, the plan stays in the abyss.

Drawbacks

• It receives Low Input of Intelligence from States.

• Ground Level Intelligence is poor in quality

• No mechanism to check the inputs sent to the states.

Importance

• Enhanced National Security.

• Sharing and receiving intelligence on a 24-hour basis.

• Provide better synergy of the database.

Way Forward

States must take measures to increase their build capacity to prevent and Counter Terrorism - UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

FAQs

When was multi agency Centre established?

The Multi Agency Centre was established in December 2001. The main reason for its creation is the failure of Indian Intelligence gathering agencies in Kargil Intrusion.

What is multi agency Centre in India?

Multi-Agency Centre or MAC is a nodal body created by the Intelligence Bureau to share intelligence related to terrorism on a day-to-day basis.

Where is the headquarters of multi agency Centre?

The Headquarters of Multi Agency Centre is Located in Delhi.

Which ministry is Mac under?

The Multi Agency Centre is instituted under the Ministry of Home Affairs.