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Question – Describe the composition and functions of Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.) in India.
- February 6, 2023
- Posted by: Pallavi Singh
- Category: Blog
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Answer –
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India.
It functions under the superintendence of the Deptt. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India – which falls under the prime minister’s office. However for investigations of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
The CBI owes its origin to the Delhi Special Police Establishment, 1941. Later CBI was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. At present CBI enjoys the status of an attached office in the Ministry of Personnel.
The CBI is not a statutory body. It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
Composition of CBI: CBI is headed by a Director, assisted by a Special Director or an Additional Director. Additionally, it has a number of joint directors, deputy inspector generals, superintendents of police and all othe usual ranks of police force.
The Director of CBI has been provided security of two-year tenure in office by the CVC Act, 2003. The Director of the CBI is appointed by the Central Government.
Functions of Central Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I): –
1) The CBI is the main investigating agency of the GOI. It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
2) Its primary role is to prevent corruption and maintain integrity in administration.
3) It works under the supervision of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) in matters pertaining to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
4) Investigate crimes of a serious nature that have national and international ramifications.
5) To coordinate the activities of the various state police forces and anti- corruption agencies.
6) To maintain crime statistics and disseminating criminal information.
7) It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
Political Interference, delayed investigations,
lack of accountability (CBI is exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act), Acute shortage of personnel are some of the challenges faced by the CBI. We need to address these challenges by bringing reforms in functioning of the body to make it truly effective to tackle and prevent corruption in the country.