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 have withdrawn general consent.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.