CVC for perks to overcome manpower crunch in CBI

"It is felt that the large number of vacancies especially in the cadre of investigating officers including Deputy Superintendents of Police and Inspectors seriously hampers the progress of investigation of cases by CBI, more so when CBI is being entrusted with more and more cases of sensitive nature, while being under the constant gaze of courts," the CVC said.

According to official data as on December 31, 2010, a total of 1,379 posts at various levels were lying vacant, out of which a highest of 946 vacancies existed at the level of executive officers.

"The measures required to fill the vacancies would include simplifying the process of direct recruitment besides providing attractive incentives to officers willing to come on deputation to the CBI," the anti-corruption watchdog said in its annual report for 2010.

The CBI completed investigations of 1,173 cases -- 1,018 regular cases and 155 preliminary enquiries -- last year. Out of the regular cases, charge sheets were filed in 842 cases in the competent courts.

"At end of 2010, 815 cases were pending investigation. The Commission has been impressing upon the CBI to complete investigation of cases within a year's time, if possible, and not more than two years in any case," it said.

The probity watchdog, which exercises superintendence over the CBI in matters related to offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, has also asked the agency to speed up the process of implementing Letters Rogatory to complete its probe on time.