In News:

The Union Government has appointed Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for a tenure of two years. He succeeds Tapan Kumar Deka, who headed the agency for four years.

About the Intelligence Bureau (IB)

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's premier domestic intelligence and internal security agency, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is responsible for collecting, analysing, and disseminating intelligence relating to threats affecting the country's internal security and public order.

The Bureau works in close coordination with central and state intelligence agencies, law enforcement organisations, and security forces to safeguard national security.

Historical Background

The Intelligence Bureau is one of the oldest intelligence organisations in the world. Its origins are generally traced to the establishment of the Central Special Branch in 1887 during British rule. Some historical accounts also associate its beginnings with the intelligence unit established by Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor in 1885.

Following Independence, the Intelligence Bureau became India's principal agency for internal intelligence, while the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was created in 1968 to exclusively handle external intelligence.

Mandate and Functions

The Intelligence Bureau is entrusted with safeguarding India's internal security through intelligence gathering, analysis, and coordination.

Its major responsibilities include:

• Collection and dissemination of domestic intelligence.
• Counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence operations.
• Monitoring activities relating to extremism, insurgency, and secessionism.
• Assisting law enforcement agencies in preventing threats to national security.
• Protecting critical infrastructure, particularly civil aviation and other strategic installations.
• Conducting background verification for security clearances of diplomats, judges, senior government officials, and other sensitive appointments.

Composition

The Intelligence Bureau functions as a multidisciplinary organisation comprising officers drawn primarily from:

• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Armed Forces
• Other Central and State Police Organisations

Personnel are generally inducted on deputation as well as through direct recruitment in specialised cadres.

Institutional Position

The Director of the Intelligence Bureau (DIB) is one of the country's highest-ranking intelligence officials.

The Director:

• Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Reports directly to the Prime Minister on matters relating to national security.
• Is a member of the Strategic Policy Group (SPG).
• Serves on the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) under the National Security Council (NSC) framework.