Question : LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR RAW

(a) the law/statute which gives the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) the powers/authority to discharge its functions/mandate efficaciously and efficiently;

(b) whether the Government proposes to provide a legal framework in the form of a clearly conceptualized law to enable the RAW to function effectively and with a degree of transparency;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the time by which the Government plans to introduce a legislation providing for legal framework for the functioning of the organization;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether the Government also proposes to constitute a Committee on the lines of an Intelligence Select Committee of the U.S. Congress to monitor the services of the organization;

(g) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and

(h) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) RAW was established in 1968 and functions under the Cabinet Secretariat. There is no separate/specific statute governing the functions/mandate of the R&AW. However, in 2000 following the report of the Task Force on Intelligence Apparatus, which examined the entire intelligence system in the country, a formal Charter listing the scope and mandate of the RAW was formally approved by the Government of India.

(b) The Charter clearly lays down the role and the responsibilities of the R&AW which would enable the Organization to function effectively.

(c, d & e) Does not arise.

(f) No such proposal is under consideration.

(g & h) Does not arise.