The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice in its report recommended various measures to strengthen the functioning of CBI.
Issues with CBI
- Lack of autonomy and effectiveness: Existing legal framework under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 gives more powers to states such as current requirement of state government consent creates operational challenges.
- Currently many states such as West Bengal, Karnataka etc. have withdrawn general consent.
- Huge vacancies: A total 724 posts are currently vacant, almost 16% of the CBI’s sanctioned strength.
- Lack of Transparency: Information regarding cases registered, their investigation progress, and final outcomes are not publicly accessible.
Recommendations of committee
- Separate/new law: Granting CBI wider investigative powers without state consent for cases affecting national security and integrity may be enacted.
- CBI should develop an independent recruitment framework: By allowing direct recruitment for core ranks like Dy.S.Ps, Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors.
- Lateral entry for specialists in cybercrime, forensics, etc.
- Proactive disclosure of information: With greater transparency in functioning of CBI by making case statistics and the Annual Report publicly available on its website.
About CBI
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