Parliamentary Standing Committee report on Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Parliamentary Standing Committee report on Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Posted 28 Mar 2025

2 min read

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 have withdrawn general consent.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

  • History: Traces its origin to the Special Police Establishment (SPE) which was set up in 1941.
    • SPE used to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions with the War & Supply Deptt. Of India during World War II.
  • Genesis: Established in 1963 on recommendation of Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962-64).
  • Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances.
  • Status: Non-statutory and Non-constitutional body.
  • Tags :
  • CBI
  • Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946
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