Question : MONITORING INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES

(a) whether the Government monitors the functioning of the domestic intelligence agencies;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there are reports of hostile foreign intelligence agencies attempting to plant moles in various intelligence agencies and police forces in the country;

(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(e) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to insulate the domestic intelligence agencies and police forces from the moles of foreign intelligence agencies?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) To (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 91 FOR 01.03.2011

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. There exist institutional mechanisms which monitor the activities and performance of the domestic intelligence agencies with reference to the National priorities and mandated tasks.

(c) & (d): In order to counter such designs of hostile foreign intelligence agencies necessary and essential safe guard and vigilance mechanisms and processes are embedded in every aspact of organizational setup and functioning-right from the time when the personnel are recruited. Further, the Government is constantly monitoring activities of hostile agencies aimed at subverting individuals, creating agents of influence etc. in different institutions, both in the public and private domains, and has taken action to neutralize the same where ever suspected. A number of such attempts have also been pre-empted.

(e): The Government have issued directions aimed at avoiding uncontrolled contact by public servants with foreign security agencies. Strict guidelines have also been issued regulating structured contact. Further, guidelines have also been laid down and circulated to all Diplomatic and Consular Missions/ International Organizations at New Delhi to strictly adhere to, and follow prescribed norms.