Parliamentary panel concerned over CBI staff crunch

QUICK PILL

• The panel also asked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to fast-track and dispose-off cases against erring CBI officials as early as possible.

• According to the latest CBI data, 1,641 posts are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 7,274.

Expressing concern over acute staff crunch in the CBI, a parliamentary panel on 17 March said the shortage may "adversely impact the quality of investigation" and asked the government to ensure that the vacancies are filled promptly.

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, in its report tabled in Parliament, also asked Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to fast-track and dispose off cases against erring CBI officials as early as possible and appoint full-time Chief Vigilance Officers (CVO) in all departments and ministries.

Emphasis must be laid on cases which are pending for more than two years, it said, adding that the CVC must ensure that departmental proceedings in all such cases are expeditiously completed.

"The Committee is concerned at the large number of vacant positions in the CBI. On the one hand, the number of investigations being entrusted to CBI is rising but on the other hand, there is an acute staff crunch. The Committee fears that if this situation persists for a long time, this may adversely impact the quality of investigation by CBI," the Committee said.

The government, replying to the panel, said occurrence and filling up of vacancies is a continuous process. "The number of vacancies keeps on varying depending on the induction, promotion, repatriation and retirement of officers.

The department of Personnel and Training concerned with filling up posts of level of Superintendent of Police and above in CBI has filled up a number of vacant posts at senior level on the recommendations of CBI Selection Committee...," it said.

Attempts are also being made to attract more officers to join CBI on deputation by modernising the agency in terms of equipment and machinery, infrastructural support, investigation tools, weaponry and vehicles, designing special incentive allowances, increasing number of residential quarters, etc.

"The CBI must ensure adequate staffing in order to deal with the rising burden of investigations," the panel said, and recommended that the government take all possible steps to ensure prompt filling of the vacancies.

Latest CBI data reveals that 1,641 posts are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 7,274.

-PTI