New Delhi: A parliamentary panel on Thursday highlighted the serious staff shortage of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and recommended the introduction of horizontal entry of experts and enacted a new law that would allow the agency to investigate investigations of cases without the state’s consent.
In the 145th report of the Ministry of Personnel and Personnel, Public Appeals, Law and Judiciary, led by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal, the Standing Committee of the country’s Parliament emphasized that manpower shortages and procedural delays have serious impacts on the operational efficiency of the CBI. The team cites reasons such as reluctance to accept state police departments, delays in documentation, insufficient identification with skilled personnel, and lack of incentives for police seeking representation.
To address these issues, the Commission recommends establishing an independent recruitment framework that enables direct recruitment to pass core positions such as police, inspectors and deputy inspectors, such as the Staff Selection Committee (SSC), the United Public Service Commission (UPSC), or a dedicated CBI exam. In addition, the team recommends horizontal entry into experts in areas such as cybercrime, forensic science, financial fraud and legal expertise.
The report stressed: “The CBI should establish a permanent cadre with clear career pathways, reduce dependence on external representatives and ensure long-term operational stability.”
The concern over the withdrawal of general consent to the CBI investigation in eight states, which hindered the effectiveness of the agency, the panel advocated the granting of a new law that granted the CBI a broader investigative power without the need for state approval of matters in national security and integrity. It recommends seeking advice from the state government while incorporating safeguards to maintain justice and maintain federal balances.
Furthermore, the group demands increased transparency and proposes structured public disclosures of non-sensitive case details to support public trust without undermining the confidentiality of the investigation. The committee also urged to improve the communication practices of the CBI and propose structured, comprehensive reports on selective media updates.
“This reform is crucial for timely and impartial investigations, increasing accountability and public confidence,” the report concluded.
