The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serves as the primary investigating agency of the Central Government and plays a significant role in preventing corruption and maintaining integrity in administration. Below are key details about the CBI's structure, functioning, and responsibilities:
1. Establishment and Status:
- The CBI was established in 1963 through a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, following recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–64).
- The Special Police Establishment, which focused on vigilance cases, was merged with the CBI.
- The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, and is not a statutory body.
- It operates under the Ministry of Personnel and enjoys the status of an attached office.
2. Roles and Responsibilities:
- Main Investigating Agency: The CBI is the main investigating agency of the Central Government, focusing on preventing corruption, economic offenses, and serious organized crime.
- Support to Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal: The CBI provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and the Lokpal.
- Difference with NIA: The CBI's scope is distinct from the National Investigation Agency (NIA). While the NIA investigates terrorism-related incidents and funding, the CBI handles corruption, economic offenses, and serious crimes other than terrorism.
3. Organizational Structure:
- Initial Divisions (1963): The CBI was originally established with six divisions: Investigation and Anti-Corruption, Technical, Crime Records and Statistics, Research, Legal and General, and Administration.
➤ Current Divisions (2019): Currently, the CBI comprises seven divisions:
- Anti-Corruption Division
- Economic Offences Division
- Special Crimes Division
- Policy and Coordination Division
- Administration Division
- Directorate of Prosecution
- Central Forensic Science Laboratory
4. Leadership and Personnel:
- Director: The CBI is headed by a Director, who is assisted by a special director or additional director.
- Other Ranks: The CBI has joint directors, deputy inspector generals, superintendents of police, and other ranks of police personnel. In total, the organization employs about 5000 staff members, including 125 forensic scientists and 250 law officers.
5. Training and Development:
- CBI Academy: The CBI Academy is located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and began functioning in 1996. It serves as the training and development center for CBI officers and personnel.
- Previous Training Centre: Earlier training programs were held at the CBI Training Centre in New Delhi.
