CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The CBI is facing a shortage of 23% manpower, including in the posts of Special Director, Joint Directors and DIGs, said the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Central Bureau of Investigation

• Origin: The CBI was established as the Special Police Establishment in 1941, to investigate cases of corruption in the procurement during the Second World War.
• Formalised agency: to investigate allegations of corruption in various wings of the Government of India by enacting the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• The CBI is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• Establishment of the CBI: In 1963, the CBI was established by the Government of India with a view to investigate serious crimes  and maintain integrity in administration.
• The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
• Composition: There shall be a director of CBI who heads the department. 
• Nodal Ministry: under the superintendence of the Department of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances which falls under the prime minister’s office.
• Functions

oIts primary objective involves conducting investigations into violent crimes using a robust system and advanced technology.

oIts role extends to addressing and countering cybercrimes and crimes related to social platforms.

oIts presence serves to assist, oversee, and provide backing to law enforcement agencies when handling complex and high-profile cases.

oThe agency is responsible for probing cases involving corruption, bribery, misconduct, and misbehavior among federal government employees. 

oIt operates under the supervision of the Central Vigilance Commission.