Multi Agency Centre (MAC)

Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance | Current events of national and international importance

Mains: (GS III) Internal Security| Counter-terrorism architecture

Why in news?

Recently Home Minister inaugurated the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC) at a cost of Rs 500 crore.

• Multi Agency Centre (MAC) – It is a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• Headquarters – New Delhi
• Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centers (SMACs) are formed in state capitals.
• It was conceptualized in 2001 following the Kargil War.
• It includes all organisations involved in counter-terrorism efforts to ensure coordination in counter terrorism.
• It includes 28 such organization including,
  • Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
  • Armed forces
  • State police forces
• Functions – It provides a platform for sharing real-time intelligence inputs among security agencies.
• Daily meetings are held to analyse inputs received in the previous 24 hours.

• It addresses complex national security challenges including,
  • Terrorism
  • Extremism
  • Organized crime
  • Cyber attacks

According to a 2020 parliamentary standing committee report, state agencies have been reluctant to share information on the platform as the contribution from state agencies has been lower in overall inputs received at MAC.

Revamped MAC

• Expanded network coverage – MAC is expanded to all police districts throughout India through a secured network.
• Technological upgrades – It has been upgraded with cutting-edge technologies such as,
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning techniques
  • Geographic Information System (GIS)
• It enables accurate trend analysis, hotspot mapping, timeline analysis and predictive operational outcomes.
• Emphasis on coordination – Improved coordination and synergy between central and state security agencies to share more intelligence inputs through the MAC system.
• Integration of Central agencies databases to leverage the advanced data analytics capabilities.

Reference

The Hindu| Multi Agency Centre (MAC)