A Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) has expressed concern over the lack of staffing in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Additionally, the PSC noted that there are deficiencies in both human and physical resources within the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), with 14 out of 17 Benches not operating at full capacity.
Vacancies in the CBI
The CBI is facing severe understaffing issues. Positions remain vacant across all levels, including executive rank, law officers, and technical officers, with vacancy rates of approximately 16%, 28%, and 56% respectively. At the highest level, three out of four positions for either Special Director or Additional Director are unoccupied.
Recommendations for CBI Reform
To address these concerns, the PSC suggests changes to the current deputation terms to the CBI to make them more attractive to capable officers from state police forces, central paramilitary forces, and the Intelligence Bureau. The government is advised to streamline recruitment rules to ease the process and remove procedural hurdles. The committee also urges the CBI and the government to move forward with plans for the International Centre of Excellence in Investigation (ICEI-CBI) at the CBI Academy in Ghaziabad, introduced in 2015.
The Growing Need for a Fully Staffed CBI
The number of cases referred to the CBI has been increasing, covering areas such as internal security, cybercrimes, corruption, and financial irregularities. As the country’s leading investigative agency, it’s crucial that the CBI has adequate staffing to effectively carry out investigations.
Table of Current CBI Vacancies
| Position | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Executive Rank | 16% |
| Law Officers | 28% |
| Technical Officers | 56% |
| Special Director/Additional Director | 75% |
Issues Faced by CAT
The PSC has observed that the CAT is also suffering from similar staffing issues, along with a lack of infrastructure. The report suggests creating strict timelines to fill vacancies and starting the appointment process for tribunal members well in advance. Additionally, the government is encouraged to investigate reasons for premature departures and implement corrective measures. The DoPT and CAT should develop a strategy to overcome hurdles that have currently stalled the construction of buildings for Benches.
About CAT
Established under Article 323A of the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976, the CAT is responsible for resolving disputes and complaints pertaining to recruitment and conditions of service for public posts related to Union affairs or other authorities under government control. While guided by principles of natural justice, the Tribunal is not bound by the Civil Procedure Code. The principal seat is in New Delhi, with 16 other Benches across the country. Despite the allocation of funds, CAT construction at these sites remains stagnant. After the Supreme Court’s decision in L. Chandra Kumar vs the Union of India & Ors (1997), orders of CAT can now be challenged via Writ Petition under Article 226/227 at the respective High Court in whose jurisdiction the Tribunal bench is situated.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024